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The Tomato Clownfish (Amphiprion frenatus) is a species of anemonefish found in the Indo-Pacific. It is characterized by its vibrant reddish-orange coloration and a single white vertical bar behind the eye, which may fade with age in larger individuals. Like all anemonefish, it forms a symbiotic relationship with certain species of sea anemones, providing protection from predators and receiving food scraps, while the anemone benefits from the clownfish's cleaning and defense against anemone predators.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Predominantly reddish-orange to brick-red, with a single prominent white vertical bar located just behind the eye. This bar is typically outlined in black. In some older or larger individuals, the white bar may become less distinct or even disappear. The fins are generally the same color as the body, sometimes with darker margins.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Single white vertical bar behind the eye, Vibrant reddish-orange body coloration, Can reach up to 14 cm (5.5 inches) in length
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin with 9-10 dorsal spines and 16-18 soft rays.
- Tail fin
- Caudal fin is slightly emarginate to rounded.
- Pectoral fin
- Pectoral fins are large and rounded.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic and anal fins are well-developed and typically match body coloration.
Identification Tips
Coloration
Look for the distinct reddish-orange body color.
White Bar
Identify the single white vertical bar located immediately behind the eye. This is the most reliable distinguishing feature.
Size
Adults can reach up to 14 cm, making them one of the larger clownfish species.
Host Anemone
Often found in association with Entacmaea quadricolor (Bubble Tip Anemone), Heteractis crispa (Sebae Anemone), and Macrodactyla doreensis (Long Tentacle Anemone).
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- 1-12 meters (3-40 feet)
- Environment
- Coral reefs, lagoons, and sheltered coastal areas, always in association with host anemones.
- Geographic range
- Western Pacific Ocean, from the Ryukyu Islands of Japan south to the Philippines, Indonesia, and New Guinea, and east to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: beginner
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: omnivore
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Generally compatible with other peaceful to semi-aggressive marine fish. Can be territorial towards other clownfish or similar-looking species, especially in smaller tanks. Best kept as a single specimen or a mated pair.
- Special requirements: Requires a host anemone (e.g., Bubble Tip Anemone, Sebae Anemone, Long Tentacle Anemone) or suitable artificial host for optimal well-being, though they can survive without one. Provide plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. Good water quality is essential.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Breeds year-round in tropical waters, with peak activity often influenced by lunar cycles.
- Market price: Varies depending on size and origin, typically moderate.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Not typically consumed due to small size and aquarium trade value.
- Texture: Not typically consumed.
- Nutritional value: Not typically consumed.
Key Facts
Protandrous Hermaphroditesbehavior
Tomato Clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning all individuals are born male and the largest, most dominant male in a group will change sex to female if the existing female dies or is removed.
Anemone Symbiosisbehavior
They form an obligate symbiotic relationship with certain sea anemones, gaining protection from predators due to their immunity to the anemone's stinging nematocysts.
Territorial Naturebehavior
While generally peaceful with other fish, Tomato Clownfish can be quite territorial, especially towards other clownfish or similar-looking species, and will aggressively defend their host anemone.
Diet in the Wildbehavior
In their natural habitat, their diet consists primarily of zooplankton, benthic algae, and small invertebrates, often scavenging food scraps from their host anemone.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: not recommended
- Handling notes: While not venomous, clownfish can deliver a painful bite if they feel threatened, especially when guarding eggs or their anemone. Their dorsal fin spines are sharp and can cause minor punctures. Handle with care, preferably using gloves or a net, to avoid stress to the fish and potential injury to yourself.
Similar Species
Cinnamon Clownfish
Amphiprion melanopus
A. melanopus has a darker, more brownish-red body and a black pelvic and anal fin, which A. frenatus lacks. The white bar on A. melanopus is also typically narrower and more defined.
Spine-cheeked Anemonefish
Premnas biaculeatus
P. biaculeatus has a more robust body, a prominent spine on each cheek, and typically three white bars (though these can fade). Its coloration is also generally a deeper red.
Saddleback Clownfish
Amphiprion polymnus
A. polymnus has a dark body with two white bars, one behind the eye and a saddle-like bar on the back, and often a white caudal fin. Its body shape is also more elongated.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Pomacentridae
- Genus
- Amphiprion
- Species
- frenatus
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