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tomato clownfish

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

Descriptor : Brevoort, 1856

Amphiprion frenatus, commonly known as tomato clownfish, is a tropical fish found in the South China Sea and parts of the marine area of Japan.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Type
    Clownfish
  • Average size
    8 cm
  • Maximum size
    14 cm
  • Longevity
    5 year
  • Shape
    Oval
  • Type
    Clownfish
  • Average size
    8 cm
  • Maximum size
    14 cm
  • Longevity
    5 year
  • Shape
    Oval

How to recognize This fish ?

The tomato clownfish is identifiable by its single white stripe with a very distinct black outline on the head and its red fins.

You can easily mistake it for Amphiprion rubrocinctus (Australia) but the latter lacks a black outline on the white stripe. Juveniles are very difficult to distinguish. The best way is to research the original geographic area. Another closely related species, Amphiprion melanopus (Western Pacific), is differentiated by its wider white stripe and black pelvic and anal fins.

Sexual dimorphism

Females have darker bodies on the ventral parts, with bright red snout and fins. Males are smaller and uniformly red all over.

Behaviour & Life cycle

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

The tomato clownfish is a lively and territorial species that lives symbiotically in anemones. It feeds on plants, vegetation, and microorganisms closely associated with its host. They are usually found in a colony organized around a dominant female.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert
  • Hermaphrodite
    protandric

Eggs are typically laid on rocks or coral reefs under the foot of the anemones. They can tolerate the toxicity of the anemones. The parents care for and protect their clutch. Once hatched, the larvae are carried into the pelagic zone by currents.

Harmless species

This species poses no danger to humans.

Origin and distribution

Natural range
Invasive range
Mixed / unknown area

Geographic distribution & Conservation

Amphiprion frenatus is found in the western Pacific, from the South China Sea to southern Japan. Its range includes Borneo, Sumatra, the Philippines, Taiwan, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Brunei, Palau, Micronesia, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC
France : LC

Where to see this species?

Acuario Michin Guadalajara Aquarium de Lyon Aquarium-Muséum de Liège La Cité de la Mer Nausicaa Oniria Planet Ocean Montpellier aquarium-tropical

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    22 - 26 °C
  • Depth
    0 - 0 m
  • Flow
    Medium

Biotope presentation

Amphiprion frenatus lives symbiotically with the anemone Entacmaea quadricolor.

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
    100 liters
  • Population min
    not specified
  • Temperature
    22 - 26 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    8.2 - 8.4

Characteristics

  • Difficulty breeding
    easy
  • Robustness
    tolerant
  • Behaviour
    slightly aggressive
  • Availability
    standard

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 tomato clownfish

The tomato clownfish is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 22 °C and 26 °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.

Breeding this species is accessible to any hobbyist. It is recommended to follow some basic rules and to be rigorous to achieve a good maintenance.

Cohabitation & Environment

In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 100 liters.

The tomato clownfish may show signs of aggression. In general, this species should not be mixed with large territorial species or other overly aggressive species, in order to avoid possible stress or even injury.

However, it can coexist with other species with a peaceful temperament and with some slightly territorial neighbors, as far as the volume of the aquarium allows. It is important to avoid that two territorial species share the same living area in an aquarium of insufficient volume. During the breeding season, this species defends its territory with more virulence. This behavior can weaken its shy neighbors.

Tips for feeding

The tomato clownfish 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
    moderate
  • 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

Marc Raggi

Marc Raggi

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
  • - THE EMBRYONIC AND LARVAE DEVELOPMENTS OF TOMATO ANEMONEFISH (Amphiprion frenatus Brevoort, 1856) IN KHANH HOA COAST - Ha Le Thi Loc - Collection of Marine Research Works - 2002.
  • - FIELD GUIDE TO ANEMONE FISHES AND THEIR HOST SEA ANEMONES - Dr. Daphne G. Fautin - GERALD R. ALLEN - Western Australian Museum - 1992.
  • - POMACENTRIDAE - GERALD R. ALLEN - FAO Fisheries Synopsis - 2001. ISBN 92-5-104587-9
  • - 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 12/11/2023

Where to see this species?

Acuario Michin Guadalajara Aquarium de Lyon Aquarium-Muséum de Liège La Cité de la Mer Nausicaa Oniria Planet Ocean Montpellier aquarium-tropical

Scientific partners

UICN France fishbase fishbase Worms

Tags

#Pomacentridae

#Amphiprion

#barrière de corail

#lagon

#Clownfish

#East China Sea

#Sea of Japan

#South East Asian Seas

#western Indian Ocean

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

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