Description
A red-colored clownfish with a white stripe running through the opercula. Most specimens possess a black patch on the posterior flank. The white stripe of some individuals may contain reflective blue pigments. The pelvic fins are black.
Natural Ecology:
This species naturally lives among the tentacles of Bubble-tip anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor), Sebae anemones (Heteractis crispa), and Magnificent anemones (Heteractis magnifica). This natural behavior protects wild clownfishes from predators. Proaquatix clownfishes do not require anemone hosts but will accept them if present.
Indigenous To:
Range extends from Sulawesi and Moluccas eastward to Society Islands, northward to Mariana Islands, southward to the Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, and Tonga.
Behavior:
Like all clownfishes, Amphiprion melanopus is a sequential hermaphrodite. The largest individual present will exert dominance and become reproductively female. The next largest fish will become reproductively male. Other smaller individuals are rarely tolerated. Presence of the female significantly impedes the growth rate of the male.
Compatibility:
Usually ignores reef invertebrates and corals. Clownfishes sometimes adopt various corals and algae as substitutes for host anemones.
Food:
Proaquatix specimens have been weaned to take aquarium pellets and flakes. Freshly frozen invertebrates such as ocean plankton, Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped squid will be readily accepted.