Species · GBIF taxon 5212096
Saddleback Clownfish
Amphiprion polymnusAlso known as Yellowfin Anemonefish, Saddleback Anemonefish, Saddle Clownfish
Saddleback clownfish dart actively among the stinging tentacles of carpet anemones, protected by a specialized mucus coating that prevents them from being stung. These bold reef dwellers live in strict social hierarchies where a single dominant female rules over a smaller breeding male and several subordinate helpers. If the matriarch dies, the breeding male undergoes a remarkable physiological transformation to take her place as the new female.
SymbioticReef-DwellingHermaphroditic
Licensed referenceJens Petersen / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Zooplankton
- Copepods
- Filamentous Algae
Predators
- Groupers
- Moray Eels
- Barracudas
ThreatsHabitat degradation, coral bleaching, and overcollection for the marine aquarium trade.
HabitatsSilty lagoons, coastal reefs, and sandy flats hosting carpet anemones.
Life span6 to 10 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPomacentridae
- SpeciesAmphiprion polymnus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Approach Slowly: Move gently when diving or snorkeling to avoid scaring them deep into their host anemone.
- Respect the Host: Avoid touching the host anemone, as human skin oils can damage their delicate tissues.
- Watch for Nipping: Expect protective parents to dart out and mock-charge if you get too close to their nesting site.
Host Anemone Liné1 / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Competitor Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableHost Anemone 
Close Relative "Ocellaris clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)" by krokodiver is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
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