Do Cinnamon Clownfish need an anemone to survive?

No, they do perfectly well in aquariums without a host anemone. In captivity, they may adopt corals, such as Euphyllia, or even artificial decorations as a surrogate host, but they will thrive entirely on their own as long as there is sufficient rockwork.

How can I tell a Cinnamon Clownfish from a Tomato Clownfish?

While they look very similar as juveniles, adult Cinnamon Clownfish typically develop dark brown to black flanks and solid black pelvic and anal fins. Tomato Clownfish generally remain bright reddish-orange all over their bodies.

Can I keep multiple Cinnamon Clownfish together?

They are best kept singly or in an established male-female pair. Adding multiple individuals to a standard aquarium usually leads to severe aggression until only the dominant pair remains alive.

Are Cinnamon Clownfish aggressive?

Yes, they are highly territorial, especially as they mature or if they are actively defending an anemone or eggs. They should not be kept with other clownfish species or very timid, similar-looking fish.

Will my Cinnamon Clownfish change sex?

Yes. As a protandrous hermaphrodite, if a dominant female is removed from a pair, the remaining male will undergo hormonal changes and transition into a female.

MarineMarineBeginner

Cinnamon Clownfish

Amphiprion melanopus

The Cinnamon Clownfish is a robust and striking marine species, best known for its deep red body, dark flanks, and single broad white head stripe.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 14 – 25 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 10 – 12 cm
for an adult pair: 110 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Omnivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Live rock with plenty of hiding spaces; host anemone optional but beneficial.

About the Cinnamon Clownfish

Amphiprion melanopus, commonly known as the Cinnamon Clownfish or Red and Black Anemonefish, is a robust and striking addition to the marine aquarium. Often confused with the closely related Tomato Clownfish, this species can be distinguished by its distinctly darker, blackish flanks and black ventral fins as it matures. It is one of the larger clownfish species, possessing a bold personality to match its vibrant reddish-orange and contrasting white stripe. They are a familiar and iconic sight among the coral reefs of the Western Pacific Ocean.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Cinnamon Clownfish comes from

Native range

Western Pacific Ocean, Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef

Countries / regions

Australia, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Philippines

Habitat

Lagoon and seaward reefs, typically living in symbiosis with anemones.

Widespread throughout the Western Pacific, closely tied to the distribution of their preferred host anemones.

Similar species

Tomato Clownfish
Amphiprion frenatus
Red Saddleback Clownfish
Amphiprion ephippium
Clark's Anemonefish
Amphiprion clarkii

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Coral Beauty Angelfish
Centropyge bispinosa
Dwarf angelfish occupy different ecological niches and possess sufficient bulk to ignore the clownfish's territorial displays.
Great
Banggai Cardinalfish
Pterapogon kauderni
A peaceful, distinctively shaped fish that will not compete with the clownfish for anemones or small rocky territories.
Great
Blue Green Chromis
Chromis viridis
While generally peaceful, they are closely related damselfish; in smaller aquariums, competition for space and food can cause friction.
Compatible with caution
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Mixing different species of clownfish in standard aquariums almost always results in fatal territorial disputes.
Not recommended
Volitan Lionfish
Pterois volitans
A large predatory species capable of swallowing a clownfish whole as it grows.
Not recommended

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