Product Description
The Fire Clownfish (often Amphiprion melanopus, also called Cinnamon Clownfish) is a vibrant, territorial marine fish known for its dark red/orange body, dark saddle, and black pelvic fins; they host anemones, are generally hardy but aggressive towards other clownfish, thrive on varied omnivorous diets, and are popular in the aquarium trade for their striking looks and resilience, though they dislike copper treatments.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Dark red to orange body with a distinctive dark "saddle" patch on the back and black pelvic/anal fins; juveniles have white head bars that fade.
Size: Can grow up to 4.7 - 5.5 inches (12 - 14 cm).
Temperament: Territorial and can be aggressive, especially towards other clownfish, but generally peaceful with other species.
Habitat: Symbiotic relationship with sea anemones (like Bubble Tip, Ritteri) in the Indo-Pacific.
Aquarium Care
Tank Size: A moderately sized saltwater tank with live rock and a host anemone is ideal.
Diet: Omnivores, accepting flakes, pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and algae.
Compatibility: Best kept singly or in pairs; avoid mixing with other clownfish species if possible due to aggression.
Water Quality: Hardy but sensitive to copper medications.
Species Note
Amphiprion ephippium (Red Saddleback) is another fish sometimes called a Fire Clownfish, known for lacking stripes as an adult and being very hardy.
