Cinnamon clownfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Native to the Western and Central Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef, Solomon Islands, and Polynesia. Found in shallow lagoons and seaward reefs.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Part of the Pomacentridae family. Possesses a deep, oval body. Reaches up to 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length, with females being significantly larger and more robust.

Social Behavior: Bold and aggressive. They establish strict territories around their host anemones and will not hesitate to chase away or bite tankmates that wander too close.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Blackish sides and black pelvic fins, with a bright orange-red head and chest. Features a single white head band. Females are larger and darker than males.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum aquarium size of 120 liters (30 gallons). Provide plenty of rocky structures for cover. Though symbiotic with Entacmaea quadricolor, an anemone is optional.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Readily accepts frozen mysis, brine shrimp, high-quality marine flakes, pellets, and dietary additions of spirulina or marine algae.

Water Quality: Keep standard marine parameters: temperature 24-27°C (75-81°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12. Regular water changes are recommended.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Highly territorial; do not house with other clownfishes. Suitable for tanks with active species such as tangs, wrasses, and dwarf angelfishes.

Aquarium Reproduction: Spawns regularly in captivity. The pair cleans a hard surface near their host to deposit eggs. The male guards the nest until the larvae hatch.

Risks and Diseases: Resilient but susceptible to Brooklynella hostilis and marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans). Quarantining all new fish is highly recommended.