The Blackback Anemonefish, Bridled Anemonefish, Fire Clown, Onebar Anemonefish, Red Clown, Red Tomato Clown, Tomato Anemonefish, Tomato Clownfish (Amphiprion frenatus) is a captivating and commonly recognized fish due to its vibrant coloration and symbiotic relationship with anemones.
Description & Characteristics
This fish, belonging to the Amphiprion genus, displays a striking red body with one or two white bands. The head is a darker shade of red, often appearing black, hence the name Blackback Anemonefish. The white bands can extend to the dorsal fin, making them distinct features. The Amphiprion frenatus can reach a maximum size of 14.0 cm.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Amphiprion frenatus is a reef-dwelling species primarily found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They prefer shallow, rocky reefs and coral lagoons, typically inhabiting depths of 1.0 to 12.0 meters. The species is commonly observed in the tropical Indo-Pacific marine zone, which encompasses a vast expanse of waters ranging from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of Central America.
Taxonomy
The species Amphiprion frenatus belongs to the family Pomacentridae, which includes other popular reef fish like damsels and clownfish. It is further classified under the order Perciformes, placing it among the diverse group of bony fishes. Within the class Actinopterygii, the species Amphiprion frenatus is part of the teleost fishes, a group known for their advanced features, including a bony skeleton and scales.
Feeding
The Amphiprion frenatus is an opportunistic omnivore and has a varied diet. It consumes a range of food items, including crustaceans like amphipods, brine shrimp, copepods, krill, and mysids. The fish also feeds on small invertebrates, fish eggs, zooplankton, and algae. They are known to consume a variety of commercially available foods like flakes, pellets, and frozen food options.
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