Amphiprion clarkii
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
1-55 meters
Clark's anemonefish is the most versatile and widely distributed anemonefish species in Komodo National Park, capable of living in association with all ten known host anemone species — far more adaptable than any other clownfish. This robust, bold little fish features a dark brown to black body with two or three white bars and a distinctive yellow-orange tail, though colour variations are significant across its range. In Komodo, Clark's anemonefish are found in virtually every type of sea anemone at most dive sites, from shallow reef flats to deeper walls. They are typically more aggressive and territorial than their famous cousin the clown anemonefish, charging fearlessly at divers who approach their anemone home, sometimes even nipping exposed skin. Like all anemonefish, they are protandrous hermaphrodites — born male with the ability to change sex to female. The dominant individual in each anemone becomes the breeding female, while the second largest becomes the breeding male. If the female is lost, the breeding male changes sex to replace her, and the next subordinate male moves up in rank.
Average Size
8-12cm
Size Range
3-15cm
Maximum Size
15cm
Omnivore feeding on zooplankton, algae, and small invertebrates. Also consumes dead anemone tentacles and benefits from food scraps dropped by the anemone.
Clark's anemonefish is the most versatile and widely distributed anemonefish species in Komodo National Park, capable of living in association with all ten known host anemone species — far more adaptable than any other clownfish. This robust, bold little fish features a dark brown to black body with two or three white bars and a distinctive yellow-orange tail, though colour variations are significant across its range. In Komodo, Clark's anemonefish are found in virtually every type of sea anemone at most dive sites, from shallow reef flats to deeper walls. They are typically more aggressive and territorial than their famous cousin the clown anemonefish, charging fearlessly at divers who approach their anemone home, sometimes even nipping exposed skin. Like all anemonefish, they are protandrous hermaphrodites — born male with the ability to change sex to female. The dominant individual in each anemone becomes the breeding female, while the second largest becomes the breeding male. If the female is lost, the breeding male changes sex to replace her, and the next subordinate male moves up in rank.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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Clark's is generally larger, darker in colour with a yellow tail, and noticeably more aggressive. The clown anemonefish is smaller, brighter orange, and typically associates with only three anemone species. Clark's can live in all ten host species.
