Orangefin Anemonefish
Amphiprion chrysopterus
Orangefin Anemonefish is a reef-dwelling clownfish from the western Pacific, living in symbiosis with sea anemones. It is a small, site-faithful species with bright orange fins and a white-barred body.
Identification points
- Bright orange caudal, dorsal, and pectoral fins contrasted against a paler orange body
- One or more narrow white bars on the head and body, typical of Amphiprion clownfishes
- Small rounded body that remains tightly associated with a host anemone on shallow reefs
Habitat
Shallow coral reefs, lagoon reefs, and protected outer-reef slopes, almost always associated with host sea anemones in warm tropical marine waters.
Bait notes
Not a targeted game fish. In aquaria it responds to small marine foods such as chopped shrimp, mysis, and finely cut fish; anglers rarely target it and collection may be regulated or restricted.
Behavior
Territorial and highly site-attached; lives in a female-dominant social group within a single anemone. Feeds on zooplankton, small benthic invertebrates, and algae near the host.
Caution
Handle carefully; the host anemone may sting. Wild collection can be restricted in many reef areas, and ornamental trade rules may apply; not a food fish.
Fishing notes
Best observed rather than fished for; if collecting is legal, use very gentle hand-net or barrier techniques around the host anemone. Avoid damaging coral or the anemone, and check local reef and aquarium-collection rules first.