Fish of The Week

Last Update : Monday 20 August, 2001 9:13 PM

Illust : Anuwat Saisaeng

Red Saddleback Anemonefish

Scientific name

Amphiprion ephippium

Common name

Red Saddleback Anemonefish

Size

5 centimeters

Dispersion

Andaman Sea. No finding report in the Gulf of Thailand

Area found

Demersal fish, often found with Bulb-tentacle sea anemone. Some times found around staghorn coral.

Depth

1 – 30 meters. Found both in the shallow and deep water.

Feed on

Plankton.

Situation

Found some at Similan, Surin (Found once in 1 – 4 dives)

Conservation

This kind of fish is also caught as Aquarium fishes although not as much as crown anemone fish since there are naturally less in quantity and can be easily dead.

Fish Tip

If you want to meet one, go to Haad-lek Similan Islands. There are some.

In the past, anemone fish can be easily found. But nowadays, it is somewhat difficult to find. I do not know why either. May be it is a result of catching of Aquarium fishes in some areas. Prominent look of this fish is the black mark on the back. They live in Bulb-tentacle sea anemone. There are about 4 – 6 in a group, not in large group like crown anemone fish or other kind of anemone fish. They have a demure habit and hardly found to chase the divers like Clark's anemone fish. This is the most demure fish among anemone fish found in Thailand. It is difficult to take their photograph.

Young red saddle back anemonefish have the same color as their parents, with white lines at opercle on both sides. When they are more than 3 centimeter long, the white lines disappear. I have neither seen the roe of red saddle back anmonefish nor very young fish. So, I do not know it they have a different look from teenagers or adults. If any one knows, please inform.

Red Saddleback Anemonefish



Scientific name	Amphiprion ephippium
Common name	Red Saddleback Anemonefish
Size	5 centimeters
Dispersion	Andaman Sea. No finding report in the Gulf of Thailand
Area found	Demersal fish, often found with Bulb-tentacle sea anemone. Some times found around staghorn coral.
Depth	1 – 30 meters. Found both in the shallow and deep water.
Feed on	Plankton.
Situation	Found some at Similan, Surin (Found once in 1 – 4 dives)
Conservation	This kind of fish is also caught as Aquarium fishes although not as much as crown anemone fish since there are naturally less in quantity and can be easily dead.
Fish Tip	If you want to meet one, go to Haad-lek Similan Islands. There are some.

You are invited to vote for Fish of the Week.