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red saddleback anemonefish

✓ Amphiprion ephippium
Family Pomacentridae
Genus Amphiprion
IUCN category (World) LC
Amphiprion ephippium Amphiprion ephippium
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Introduction

Descriptor : Bloch, 1790

Amphiprion ephippium is commonly known as red saddleback anemonefish in reference to the shape of the dark spot on its flanks. It is found in the tropical waters of the eastern Indian Ocean.

Like all anemonefish, it lives in symbiosis with anemones, particularly the bubble-tip anemone and the leathery sea anemone.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Type
    Clownfish
  • Average size
    11 cm
  • Maximum size
    14 cm
  • Longevity
    16 year
  • Shape
    Oval
  • Type
    Clownfish
  • Average size
    11 cm
  • Maximum size
    14 cm
  • Longevity
    16 year
  • Shape
    Oval

How to recognize This fish ?

The red saddleback anemonefish measures approximately 11 centimeters. Its body is oval-shaped and laterally compressed. The color is orange, and the fins are the same color as the body with translucent edges. It is easily recognizable by the black saddle-shaped spot near the caudal fin.

Sexual dimorphism

As a protandrous hermaphrodite, females of this species are larger, with some reaching 14 centimeters.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous with carnivorous tendency
  • Sociability
    living as a couple
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

This red saddleback anemonefish is found in pairs and lives in symbiosis with the Entacmaea quadricolor and Heteractis crispa anemones. Like its relatives, it feeds on marine microorganisms that pass near its habitat.

It is a territorial animal that does not tolerate intruders in its territory, and interactions with conspecifics can sometimes be contentious.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert
  • Hermaphrodite
    protandric

The red saddleback anemonefish is an oviparous fish that lays its eggs on exposed substrate. All individuals are born male, and as they grow, they change sex to become female, a process known as protandrous sequential hermaphroditism. This fish protects its eggs from surrounding predators.

Harmless species

This species does not pose a particular danger to humans if encountered in its natural habitat.

Origin and distribution

Natural range
Invasive range
Mixed / unknown area

Geographic distribution & Conservation

This species is found from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Sumatra, as well as in the waters of Thailand and Malaysia.

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Where to see this species?

Nausicaa Planet Ocean Montpellier

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    22 - 29 °C
  • Depth
    2 - 15 m

Biotope presentation

The red saddleback anemonefish inhabits coastal muddy waters and protected bays. Although it lives at shallow depths, it can be challenging to observe properly due to the often murky water.

Species of the same biotope

Main recommendations for fishkeeping

Deontology

In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.

Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.

We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.

Our recommendations

  • Min volume
    200 liters
  • Population min
    2
  • Temperature
    22 - 29 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    8.2 - 8.4

Characteristics

  • Difficulty breeding
    hard
  • Behaviour
    moderately aggressive
  • Availability
    occasional

General reminders

It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.

The realization of a seawater aquarium requires certain knowledge beforehand. Seawater is generally synthetic, consisting of reverse osmosis water and synthetic salt at a level of 33g / liters. It is also possible to take seawater directly (after making sure that the water is not polluted). The operation of a seawater aquarium is done in three phases: the installation of a living stone decoration, the introduction of invertebrates one month later, and the introduction of fish 3 months later. It is essential to wait as long as possible before to introduce the animals so that the micro-fauna has had time to develop well. The balance and the physico-chemical stability are fundamental for the success of this type of tank.

General reminder on maintenance datas

Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.

Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.

Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.

Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.

En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Une eau trop dure ou trop calcaire peut être inadaptée à de nombreuses espèces tropicales d’eau douce. Si nécessaire, vous pouvez la couper avec de l’eau osmosée ou de pluie filtrée afin d’obtenir une dureté plus adaptée aux besoins de vos poissons et de vos plantes. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.

Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.

Specific needs for the red saddleback anemonefish

The red saddleback anemonefish is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 22 °C and 29 °C. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month. In seawater, it is also possible to remove nitrates using one of the following methods: Jaubert, denitrator on sulfur, biopeletts, vodka method.

The red saddleback anemonefish is a species whose maintenance is rather reserved for informed aquarists . It can only be successfully carried out by carrying out a minimum of documentation work. Special husbandry conditions can easily lead to the death of the species or other animals.

This species is generally available in specialized shops or from aquarium clubs. Specimens that have been bred for a long time are easier to breed, but special water parameters must be respected.

Cohabitation & Environment

In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 200 liters.

The red saddleback anemonefish has a strong character. Its maintenance with territorial neighbors in an inadequate volume will generate stress. ndeed, it will not hesitate to fight to protect its territory and to dominate its neighbors. It is important to think carefully about the constitution of the future population to avoid this kind of inconvenience. The aquarium should be arranged so that each species can comfortably define its own territory.

Tips for feeding

The red saddleback anemonefish is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency.

This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.

Feed animals in moderation to maintain good water quality. Meals should be eaten within 2–3 minutes, served in several small portions rather than a single large ration.

Uneaten food quickly decomposes, releasing ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which disturb the aquarium’s biological balance.

Make sure each species can access food properly, slower or bottom-dwelling individuals may require targeted feeding.

Reproduction protocol

  • Maintenance difficulty
    hard
  • Spawning cleaning
    Female & Male
  • egg-laying protection
    Female & Male
  • Fry protection

Hybridization risks

In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.

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To go further

Species of the same family

Espèces du même genre

To read on the web

fishbase EOL

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Adrien Falzon

Adrien Falzon

Benoit Chartrer

Benoit Chartrer

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

Marine Kassel

Marine Kassel

Bibliographic references

  • - GBIF
  • - Larval development and growth of Red Saddleback Anemonefish, Amphiprion ephippium,(Bloch, 1790) under captive conditions - Krishna, Rohini M. V - Anil, M. K. - Raj, Neethu P - NISCAIR-CSIR, India - 2018.
  • - Evolution, Development and Ecology of Anemonefishes - Vincent Laudet - Timothy Ravasi - Taylor & Francis - 2023.

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Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 10/11/2023

Where to see this species?

Nausicaa Planet Ocean Montpellier

Scientific partners

UICN France fishbase fishbase Worms

Tags

#Pomacentridae

#Amphiprion

#barrière de corail

#lagon

#Clownfish

#South East Asian Seas

#Indonesian seas

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

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