Clownfish, also known as anemonefish, are native to the warmer tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific and are simply a diver’s delight to watch. Wherever you spot a sea anemone, chances are that a family of clownfish is probably sheltered in it. Even though most clownfish are instantly recognizable as clownfish, determining the variety of clownfish is challenging for even the most seasoned divers. With twenty-eight different varieties of clownfish, it is no wonder that it is often difficult for divers to identify the variety of clownfish correctly. We have put together a two-part basic Clownfish Identification guide that should help you more easily recognize these delightful fish.
Here is part 2 of our series. If you haven’t read part 1 yet, click here
Clark’s Anemonefish
The Clark’s anemonefish, also known as the Clarkii anemonefish or the Yellowtail clownfish, is identifiable by its vivid black, white, and yellow stripes. It has a reddish-brown color with white stripes and an orange forehead, accompanied by a yellow tail with a white stripe. Clark’s anemonefish patterns vary from fish to fish, and juvenile fish are yellow in color. This variety of clownfish grows up to 6 inches in length and is easily confused with the Sebae anemonefish, which has similar colorations.
Cinnamon Clownfish
Cinnamon clownfish, also known as the Black and Red Anemonefish or the Fire Clownfish, grow to 4.7 inches and are mostly found in Indonesia, Micronesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. Identifiable by its dark red to orange color with a darker brown “saddle” on its back. The cinnamon clownfish also has a distinct white headband.
Sebae Clownfish
The Sebae Clownfish is a very rare species of clownfish found only in the northern Indian Ocean, growing up to 4.6 inches in length. In appearance, the Sebae resembles the Clark’s Anemonefish, characterized by its brown coloration with broad white stripes and an orange head. The anal fin is yellow, and it has a white to yellow tail.
Red-Sea Clownfish
The Two-Banded Clownfish, more popularly known as the Red Sea Clownfish, is recognizable by its two white, black, saw-like stripes on its yellow-orange colored body. These clownfish are predominantly found in the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean.
Maldives Anemonefish
The Maldives Anemonefish, also known as the Blackfinned Anemonefish or the Blackfoot Clownfish, is characterized by its rusty orange-red color with a single white stripe running vertically behind its eye. As its name suggests, the Maldives anemonefish is found in the Western Indian Ocean, primarily around the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and typically lives in small groups.
