Scientific Name: Amphiprion ephippium

Alt Scientific Name:

Common Name: Fire Clownfish

Alt Common Name: Red Saddleback Anemonefish, Fire Clownfish

Group: Damselfish (Damsels/Clownfish)

Family: Pomacentridae

Distribution: Pacific Western; Common to many island groups in the western Pacific

Adult Size: 5 inches (12.7cm)

Minimum Tank Size: 29 gallons

Temperament: Generally peaceful but will fight with other species of clown fish.

Care Difficulty: 3/10

Reef Safety Score : 3/3

Temperature Range: 75°F - 81°F

pH Range: 8.1 - 8.4

Salinity Range (specific gravity): 1.02 - 1.026

Diet Information: Omnivorous - usually accepts flake or pellet foods but also should recieve meaty foods such as mysis and enriched brine.

Additional Information : Fire Clownfish, Amphiprion ephippium, is one of the more unique and vibrant Clowns available to the aquarium hobbyist. This particular species is unique in that is has an intolerance to copper. If copper must be used, limit treatment to two days. A reef-safe (non-copper) treatment would be strongly preferred should a Fire Clown require medication. Clownfish, also known as Anemonefish, are omnivores that will eat a wide variety of prepared and frozen foods. Brine Shrimp are a favorite treat of these amusing little fish. Clownfish have gained a high level of popularity in the saltwater hobby because of their hardiness and abundance of personality. They will form shoals in the home aquarium with the two dominant fish becoming a pair. The largest Clown is typically the terminal female, the next largest the male, and the others remain juveniles. Small Fire Clownfish will have a white band across the head that disappears with age.

Tank Mate Compatibility : Most other non aggresive fish should be fine. Do NOT mix with any other clownfish species.

Breeding Information: Fire clownfish are one of the easiest to breed saltwater fish. Once a pair is formed, breeding should take place in a host anemone or a surrogate host such as a coral or even a small cave.

Determining Sex: Fire clownfish are born asexual and the most dominant fish in a group will become a female. The other fish will become males. The females are larger, more colorful and more dominant. If the female clownfish died or is removed from the aquarium, one of the males will take over the dominant role and become a female.

Primary Area in Tank: All over.