Spinecheek anemonefish – Amphiprion biaculeatus

Spinecheek anemonefish, Pine-cheek Anemonefish, Spine-cheeked Anemone-fish, Tomato Clownfish, Amphiprion biaculeatus
Size: 17 cm
Depth: 1 - 168 m
Water Type: Marine
Toxicity: Toxic hazard unknown
Red List Status: Not evaluated (NE)
Temperature: 77 °F - 80.6 °F (25°C - 27°C)

The Pine-cheek Anemonefish, Spine-cheeked Anemone-fish, Tomato Clownfish, scientifically known as Amphiprion biaculeatus, is a vibrant and captivating member of the marine world. This fish is notable for its striking coloration and symbiotic relationship with host anemones.

Description & Characteristics

Amphiprion biaculeatus exhibits a distinctive coloration, typically featuring a bright orange body with a prominent white band encircling its head. The fish’s snout, fins, and tail are edged with black. This coloration provides camouflage and helps the fish blend seamlessly with its host anemone. The species is known for its small size, typically reaching a maximum length of 17.0 cm.

Habitat and Occurrence

Amphiprion biaculeatus is a resident of the neritic zone, which spans the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral depths of the ocean. These fishes inhabit the lower limit of the intertidal zone and extend their range to the shelf edge, reaching depths of approximately 200 meters. The species is a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems, often residing within the protective embrace of anemones, their primary habitat.

Taxonomy

Amphiprion biaculeatus is a member of the Pomacentridae family, which encompasses a diverse group of fish commonly known as damselfishes. Amphiprion biaculeatus belongs to the Class Teleostei, the most diverse group of bony fish, and Order Ovalentaria incertae sedis, a complex group of fish with uncertain placement.

Feeding

Amphiprion biaculeatus displays an omnivorous feeding behavior, incorporating a wide variety of food items into their diet. These include algae, amphipods, brine shrimps, copepods, coral spawn, crustaceans, cyclops, Daphnia salina, fish eggs, fish larvae, flakes, frozen food (small sorts), krill, lobster eggs, mysis, and zooplankton. Their dietary versatility allows them to thrive within their diverse and dynamic marine habitats.

Associated Species

Image References

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