Species · GBIF taxon 5212111
Tomato Clownfish
Amphiprion frenatusAlso known as Blackback Anemonefish, Bridled Anemonefish, Fire Clown, Red Tomato Clown
Tomato clownfish live in strict, female-dominated pairs or small groups within the protective tentacles of bubble-tip anemones. These bold damselfish aggressively defend their host anemone from intruders, charging and even biting divers or larger fish that venture too close. Young fish display a bright red-orange color with multiple white bars, which fade to a single white head bar and a darker, blackish body as they mature into dominant females.
MarineTerritorialSymbiotic
- diet
- Omnivorous, feeding on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and algae
- family
- Pomacentridae
- threats
- Coral reef degradation, ocean warming, and overcollection for the aquarium trade
- life Span
- 6 to 10 years in the wild
NE
Boldly defends its host anemone and may nip at fingers or hands if approached too closely.
Aggressively defends its territory and will fearlessly bite fingers, hands, or diving gear to protect its host.
Maintain a respectful distance of at least one meter from the host anemone and do not attempt to touch the fish.- Observe the host: Look for the bulbous tentacles of bubble-tip anemones on shallow reefs to locate these fish.
- Keep your distance: Avoid placing hands near the anemone to prevent defensive nips from the resident pair.
- Watch the hierarchy: Observe how the larger, darker female dominates the smaller, brighter male.