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| fishes text index | photo index |
| Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrata > fishes > Family Pomacentridae > Genus Amphiprion |
| False
clown anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris Family Pomacentridae updated Mar 09
Where seen? This delightful fish is commonly seen in large sea anemones on some of our Southern Islands. At low tide, it is usually well hidden under or inside the sea anemone. It is more active when the sea anemone is submerged. Look for it with the outgoing tide, when the water is clearer (than the incoming tide). Features: 2-9cm. Red to reddish-brown with three broad white bars (the middle bar widening at the middle of the side of the body towards the head) and black bands on the edges of the fins including the top of the dorsal fin. On our intertidal, the fish has been seen in the Giant carpet anemone (Stichodactyla gigantea). Elsewhere, it is recorded to also live in Merten's carpet anemone (Stichodactyla mertensii) and the Magnificent anemone (Heteractis magnifica). False Clown? Our clown anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is called the False clown anemonefish, to distinguish it from another closely related fish called the Clown anemonefish (Amphiprion percula) which lacks the black bands on the top edge of the dorsal fin. The natural distribution of these two species of anemonefishes do NOT overlap. Human uses: Unfortunately, these fishes are taken in large numbers from the wild for the aquarium trade. The harvest may involve the use of cyanide or blasting, which damage the habitat and kill many other creatures. Like other fish and creatures harvested from the wild, most die before they can reach the retailers. Without professional care, most die soon after they are sold. Often of starvation as owners are unable to provide the small creatures and plants that these fishes need to survive. In artificial conditions, many succumb to diseases and poor health. Those that do survive are unlikely to breed. There have been some success in breeding anemonefish for the aquarium trade. Although captive bred anemonefish are hardier, they are more expensive. Harvesting from the wild will probably continue so long as there are unscrupulous traders and aquarists. Status and threats: The False clown anemonefish is listed as 'Vulnerable' on the Red List of threatened animals of Singapore. Like other creatures of the intertidal zone, they are affected by human activities such as reclamation and pollution. Poaching by hobbyists and overfishing can also have an impact on local populations. According to the Singapore Red Data Book, "habitat protection and strict policing against illegal collection are required" to conserve our anemonefishes. |
 Kusu Island, Jun 04  At low tide, sheltering in a pool away from their anemone. Kusu Island, May 05  Tiny baby anemonefish. Sentosa, Jun 07  Sentosa, Jun 07 |
The fish needs its host anemone. Do not disturb it or
the anemone.
These
fishes are threatened by over-collection for the aquarium
trade. Don't keep Nemo in your home, he belongs in the
ocean.False clown anemonefishes on Singapore shores
 Sisters Island, Aug 09 |
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 Pulau Hantu, Aug 04  |
 Pulau Hantu, Nov 03  |
 Kusu Island, Jul 04  |
video clips and more photos of false clown anemonefishes on Singapore shores
northern shores
southern shores part 1 | part 2 | part 3
Links
References
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Periplus Editions. 400pp.|
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