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white-tipped anemonefish

Scientific name Amphiprion polymnus
Descriptor Linnaeus
Year of description 1758
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Pomacentridae
Genus Amphiprion
Amphiprion polymnus Amphiprion polymnus
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Introduction

Amphiprion polymnus, also known as white-tipped anemonefish, is a tropical fish found in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Type
    Clownfish
  • Average size
    10 cm
  • Maximum size
    13 cm
  • Longevity
    15 year
  • Shape
    Oval
  • Pattern
    vertical stripes
  • Type
    Clownfish
  • Average size
    10 cm
  • Maximum size
    13 cm
  • Longevity
    15 year
  • Shape
    Oval
  • Pattern
    vertical stripes

How to recognize the white-tipped anemonefish ?

The white-tipped anemonefish has a dark color ranging from brown to black depending on the geographical location. Two to three broad white bands run across the body. The one in the middle, which may be incomplete, extends to the dorsal fin and resembles a saddle. The last band is sometimes present at the base of the tail.

The belly and cheeks can be orange. Chromatic variations may appear when the fish changes host anemone. For example, when it lives in symbiosis with Heteractis crispa, it is entirely dark except for the white bands and the edge of the caudal fin.

Sexual dimorphism

The female is larger than the male.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous with carnivorous tendency
  • Sociability
    living as a couple
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

Although slightly territorial, this fish generally behaves peacefully with other species. It lives in symbiosis in an anemone usually Heteractis crispa or Stichodactyla haddon.

It feeds on plants, algae, and microorganisms closely related to its host. Usually, they are found in a colony organized around a dominant female.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert
  • Hermaphrodite
    protandric

The white-tipped anemonefish is an oviparous fish that spawns on exposed substrate. The parents care for and protect their spawn. Once hatched, the fry are carried into the pelagic zone by currents.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC
France : NE

Where to see this species?

Acuario Michin Guadalajara Aquarium du Limousin La Cité de la Mer

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    22 - 26 °C
  • Depth
    2 - 30 m
  • Flow
    Medium

Biotope presentation

This species is most commonly found in coral reefs at a depth of less than 30m.

Species of the same biotope

Main recommendations for fishkeeping

Deontology

In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.

Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.

We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.

Our recommendations

  • Min volume
    100 liters
  • Population min
    2
  • Temperature
    22 - 26 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    8.2 - 8.4

Characteristics

  • Difficulty breeding
    easy
  • Robustness
    tolerant
  • Behaviour
    slightly aggressive
  • Availability
    standard

General reminders

It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.

The realization of a seawater aquarium requires certain knowledge beforehand. Seawater is generally synthetic, consisting of reverse osmosis water and synthetic salt at a level of 33g / liters. It is also possible to take seawater directly (after making sure that the water is not polluted). The operation of a seawater aquarium is done in three phases: the installation of a living stone decoration, the introduction of invertebrates one month later, and the introduction of fish 3 months later. It is essential to wait as long as possible before to introduce the animals so that the micro-fauna has had time to develop well. The balance and the physico-chemical stability are fundamental for the success of this type of tank.

General reminder on maintenance datas

Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.

Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.

Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.

Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.

En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.

Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.

Specific needs for the white-tipped anemonefish

The white-tipped anemonefish is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 22 °C and 26 °C. For proper maintenance, the temperature should never exceed the 29°C for long periods. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month. In seawater, it is also possible to remove nitrates using one of the following methods: Jaubert, denitrator on sulfur, biopeletts, vodka method.

Breeding this species is accessible to any hobbyist. It is recommended to follow some basic rules and to be rigorous to achieve a good maintenance.

Cohabitation & Environment

In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 100 liters.

The white-tipped anemonefish may show signs of aggression. In general, this species should not be mixed with large territorial species or other overly aggressive species, in order to avoid possible stress or even injury.

However, it can coexist with other species with a peaceful temperament and with some slightly territorial neighbors, as far as the volume of the aquarium allows. It is important to avoid that two territorial species share the same living area in an aquarium of insufficient volume. During the breeding season, this species defends its territory with more virulence. This behavior can weaken its shy neighbors.

Tips for feeding

The white-tipped anemonefish is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency.

This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.

You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.

Reproduction protocol

  • Maintenance difficulty
    moderate
  • Spawning cleaning
    Female & Male
  • egg-laying protection
    Female & Male
  • Fry protection

Hybridization risks

In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.

These animals might interest you

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

fishbase EOL

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Marc Raggi

Marc Raggi

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

Bibliographic references

POMACENTRIDAE - GERALD R. ALLEN - FAO Fisheries Synopsis - 2001. ISBN 92-5-104587-9

FIELD GUIDE TO ANEMONE FISHES AND THEIR HOST SEA ANEMONES - Dr. Daphne G. Fautin - GERALD R. ALLEN - Western Australian Museum - 1992. ISBN 92-5-104587-9

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Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 13/11/2023

Where to see this species?

Acuario Michin Guadalajara Aquarium du Limousin La Cité de la Mer

Scientific partners

UICN France fishbase Worms

Tags

#Pomacentridae

#Amphiprion

#barrière de corail

#lagon

#Clownfish

#Philippine Sea

#South East Asian Seas

#Indonesian seas

#Bali

#Lombok

#Nusa Penida

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

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