Amphiprion sandaracinos

Datasheet

General Description

The Yellow Clownfish (Amphiprion sandaracinos), also known as the Eastern Skunk Anemonefish, Golden Anemonefish, or Orange Anemonefish, belongs to the family Pomacentridae. These fish are distributed across the Western Pacific, from Christmas Island and Western Australia to various islands such as the Ryukyu Islands and the Solomon Islands. Yellow Clownfish are recognized for their vibrant yellow coloration, with some individuals featuring white stripes along their dorsal fins and black pectoral fins.

Aquarium Suitability

Yellow Clownfish are suitable for aquariums with caution due to their territorial nature and potential aggression towards other species. They prefer living in pairs consisting of a male and female or two males to one female. It is crucial to ensure that the tank has hiding spots for each fish to establish their territory and minimize any aggressive behavior.

Care and Hardiness

These clownfish have an average hardiness level and are sensitive during transportation and acclimatization. They thrive best when paired with suitable anemones. Yellow Clownfish are known for their ability to change gender, with males transitioning to females, where the female is typically larger in size.

Reef Suitability

Yellow Clownfish are considered reef-safe and are a popular choice for reef aquariums. However, their territorial behavior can lead to aggression towards other tank mates, especially if they encroach on the clownfish's space.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Yellow Clownfish, it is essential to provide ample hiding spots with live rock or coral structures. Maintaining water conditions within the parameters of pH 8.1-8.4, temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

Yellow Clownfish are territorial and can exhibit aggression towards other fish, especially when defending their hiding place or while carrying eggs. They are known to form strong bonds with their mate and exhibit fascinating social behavior, particularly during breeding and egg care.

Feeding and Diet

In captivity, Yellow Clownfish should be fed a varied diet consisting of microalgae like spirulina, small crustaceans such as krill and mysis, and zooplankton like cyclops and pods. Feeding multiple times a day ensures their nutritional needs are met.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

These fish can change gender, with males transitioning to females. Yellow Clownfish can be bred in captivity, making them an attractive option for aquarists interested in captive breeding programs.

Habitat and Distribution

Yellow Clownfish are found in the waters of Australia, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific region. They typically inhabit areas with suitable anemones or coral structures for shelter and protection against predators.