Species · GBIF taxon 5212094
Orange Clownfish
Amphiprion perculaAlso known as Percula Clownfish, Clown Anemonefish, Blackfinned Clownfish
Orange clownfish live in strict, female-dominated hierarchies within the stinging tentacles of host sea anemones. They protect themselves from the anemone's sting using a specialized mucus coat, in turn defending their host from predators and sharing food scraps. If the dominant female dies, the largest male changes sex to take her place.
MarineTropicalSymbiotic
Licensed referenceAdrian Pingstone at en.wikipedia / Public domain · cc0
- diet
- Zooplankton, algae, and anemone leftovers
- family
- Pomacentridae
- threats
- Coral bleaching, habitat destruction, overcollection for aquarium trade
- life Span
- 6 to 10 years in the wild, up to 30 years in captivity
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Vulnerable to localized population declines due to heavy collection for the aquarium trade and the loss of host anemones from coral bleaching.
Observe them without disturbing the reef, and ensure any aquarium specimens are certified captive-bred rather than wild-caught.- Observe quietly: Watch their bobbing swimming motion from a respectful distance to avoid scaring them into their host anemone.
- Look for the host: Scan large sea anemones on shallow reefs to spot these fish darting among the tentacles.
- Avoid touching: Never touch the fish or its host anemone, as human skin can disrupt their protective mucus coating.