Saddleback Clownfish

Family: PomacentridaeAmphiprion polymnus

   The Saddleback Clownfish looks just like a fish with a "saddle"!

   Like all the clownfish, the Saddleback Clownfish has markings that are quite striking. Also like other clownfish, this is a hardy fish to keep and a nice addition to a marine aquarium.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Marine Aquarium

Maintenance difficulty:    The Saddleback Clownfish is generally easy to keep.

Maintenance:    Feed all kinds of live, frozen, and flake foods. Best to feed small amounts several times a day. In a reef situation they don't really need to be fed very often at all.

Habitat: Natural geographic location:    Saddleback Clownfish are found from Indo-Malayan Archipelago northwards to the Ryukyu Islands. Also reported from the Northern Territory, Australia

Host Anemones:    Heteractus crispa ~ Leathery sea anemone.
   Stichtodactyla hadooni ~ Haddon's sea anemone.

Foods:    All kinds. See "maintenance" above.

Social Behaviors:    Like all damselfish, they can be territorial and aggressive, especially as they get older.

Sex: Sexual differences:    The female is usually much larger than the male.

Light: Recommended light levels:    No special requirements.

Breeding/Reproduction:    Bred in captivity. See general breeding techniques on the Breeding Marine Fish page.

Temperature:    No special requirements.

Length/Diameter of fish:    Saddbleback Clownfish adults can grow to 12 cm ( 4.7 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:    A minimum 20 gallon aquarium is recommended.

Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong    No special requirements.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom    No special requirements.

Availability:    This fish is generally readily available.

Available From These Merchants

• Amphiprion polymnus : $17.99

Saddleback Clownfish Amphiprion Polymnus Tankraised Offered By: That Pet Place Price: $17.99

Lastest Animal Stories on Saddleback Clownfish View all 3 Animal Stories on Saddleback Clownfish Add Your Animal Story

Thomas Herrick - 2012-10-17 Saddleback Clownfish are an amazing fish to keep. Being one of the larger species of Clownfish (Such as Clarkii's or Maroon's) they're not particularly picky about what anemone to host. I have an interbreeding pair of a female Saddleback clown, and a male Clarkii Clown, hosting a Condylactis anemone. Now, keep in mind that being a larger clownfish species, they are also a little bit more aggresive than other species (Percula, Ocellaris, Snowflakes.) If you're aiming to interbreed, be strategic. Refer to species of fish that have the same relative body shape, and aggression. Overall Benefits of keeping a Saddleback : 10!! Very interesting fish, with a very interesting personality! Reply

Ruth - 2010-12-30 Blimey, they don't attack? Mine do! They are particularly picky about where rocks and artifacts are placed within their tank. But they are worth it! They are stunning fish and fascinating to watch as they bob up and down. Reply

Carrie - 2006-03-22 Tank bred sandlebacks seem to be the easiest to keep. Wild caught, like the pink skunks don't do well. They will host a Heteractis Magnifica (Ritteri) anemone with glee! Even the captive bred like the captive bred tomatos have an STRONG need to host something! (even a mushroom rock!) Very easy to get to host like the tomato but the different coloring makes them a welcome change! Though I read they get dark as they age, this is yet to be seen as mine are only 6 months old. They have a similar aggression as tomatos, but not mean like the cinnamon or maroon. They do not attack my hand when by their anemone! Though they are not as calm as the perculas and skunks. Reply

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