Saddleback Clownfish

The Saddleback Clownfish, *Amphiprion polymnus*, is a captivating and hardy species of clownfish, easily recognized by its striking coloration. Its body is primarily a deep, velvety black, contrasted by two broad, vertical white or yellowish bands. The first band is located just behind the eye, and the second, often wider and saddle-shaped, is positioned mid-body, extending onto the dorsal fin. The snout and sometimes the belly can be a vibrant orange or yellow.

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a single Saddleback Clownfish, with larger tanks needed for pairs or groups. They are well-suited for reef aquariums and are known to host with a variety of anemone species, including the Sebae Anemone (*Heteractis crispa*), Bubble Tip Anemone (*Entacmaea quadricolor*), and Magnificent Sea Anemone (*Heteractis magnifica*). Providing a suitable host anemone is beneficial for their well-being and natural behavior, though they can thrive without one.

In the home aquarium, the Saddleback Clownfish typically reaches a size of 4-5 inches. They are omnivorous and readily accept a varied diet of high-quality marine flake food, pellet food, frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and marine algae. Feeding small amounts multiple times a day is ideal.

Like all clownfish, the Saddleback Clownfish is a protandrous hermaphrodite, meaning all individuals are born male and the largest fish in a group will transition into a female. Breeding in captivity is possible and has been achieved by experienced aquarists. There are no readily apparent visual differences between males and females, other than size in a pair or group.