The Blackfinned Clownfish, Clown Anemonefish, Clownfish, Eastern Clownfish, and Orange Clownfish (scientifically known as Amphiprion percula) is a captivating and vibrant fish species, captivating aquarists and marine enthusiasts alike. This small, yet striking fish is renowned for its striking orange and white coloration, enhanced by three distinctive bands of brilliant white across its body. With its captivating appearance and unique symbiotic relationship with anemones, Amphiprion percula continues to captivate the hearts and minds of marine life enthusiasts worldwide.
Description & Characteristics
Amphiprion percula exhibits a captivating orange body adorned with three distinct white bands, the most prominent of which encircles the eyes. The first white band is located just behind the eyes, while the second is situated above the pectoral fins and the third is situated near the tail. The fish’s fins, including the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, are all edged with a distinctive black border, hence the name “Blackfinned Clownfish”. The black borders on the fins are typically quite thin and delicate. The species’s body is laterally compressed, and its overall shape is slightly elongated, resulting in a characteristically slender and agile appearance.
Amphiprion percula reaches a maximum size of approximately 11.0 cm in length. These fish are remarkably agile, navigating coral reefs and their surroundings with ease. They are known for their curious and active nature, frequently darting in and out of their host anemones, displaying their vibrant colors and playful personalities.
Habitat and Occurrence
Amphiprion percula is primarily found in the western central Pacific Ocean, inhabiting the coral reefs of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. They are most commonly found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, where they have established themselves as a prominent and fascinating part of the marine ecosystem. These fish typically inhabit shallow reef areas, usually between 1.0 and 15.0 meters in depth. Their presence is frequently linked to specific anemones species, namely the carpet anemones, as they form a crucial symbiotic partnership with these invertebrates.
Taxonomy
Amphiprion percula belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Ovalentaria incertae sedis, and Family: Pomacentridae. The Teleostei class encompasses a vast array of bony fishes, signifying the prominent evolutionary branch they occupy. The order Ovalentaria incertae sedis represents a more specific classification, grouping together closely related fish families, while the Pomacentridae family specifically encompasses the damselfishes and clownfishes, characterized by their often vibrant coloration and intricate patterns.
Feeding
Amphiprion percula is an omnivorous fish, showcasing a diverse diet. Their feeding habits are influenced by their environment and the availability of various food sources. Some common items in their diet include:
- Brine shrimp nauplii
- Brine shrimps
- Copepods
- Cyclops
- Daphnia salina
- Flakes
- Frozen food (large sort)
- Frozen food (small sorts)
- Invertebrates
- Krill
- Living food
- Lobster eggs
- Mysis
- Oyster eggs
- Pellets
- Shrimps
- Zooplankton
Their diverse diet highlights their ability to adapt to different food sources, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their marine ecosystem.
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