Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Cinnamon Clownfish

Amphiprion melanopus

Also called Fire clownfish, Red and black anemonefish, Black-backed anemonefish, Blackback anemonefish, Dusky anemonefish

SpeciesShort profile

From Western Pacific: eastern Indonesia, the south-eastern Philippines, Papua New Guinea, eastern Queensland and the Coral Sea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Palau and Micronesia1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length9 to 12 cm1 2 3

Sizesmall

Rich red, black and blue colouring

Accepts a wide variety of foods

Breeds in captivity

3 2

Looks how to spot one

Coloursred to orange with dark mahogany or black sides and a white head barNew Caledonia form: red body, black saddle, yellow or orange fins, blue head bar2 3

Personality what they are like

Similar in character to the tomato clownfish: confident and territorial once settled in, and keen to guard its home.3 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Stays close to its host anemone, most often a bubble-tip, or to a favourite spot in the tank.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A fully marine reef fish that accepts flakes, pellets and frozen foods. It can become territorial once it has settled into a tank, so tank mates are best chosen with that in mind.2 3

Home where they are happiest

A saltwater aquarium with rockwork or a host anemone. In the wild it lives in lagoons and on outer reefs at about 1 to 18 m, usually with the bubble-tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor).1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore. Wild fish eat planktonic copepods, small crustaceans and algae; in aquariums it takes flakes, brine shrimp, mysid shrimp, algae and pellets.1 2

Company who they like around

Lives in small size-ranked groups led by one breeding female and one breeding male, and forms close pairs when breeding.2 1

The story where it all began

Bleeker described the cinnamon clownfish in 1852. It is found across the western Pacific and has been bred successfully in aquariums, with captive-bred fish now offered in the hobby.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Young fish have a white head stripe that turns blue in adult fish from New Caledonia.3
2
If the breeding female is lost, the breeding male changes sex and takes her place.2
3
An average nest holds around 250 eggs.3
4
It reaches breeding size at roughly 5 to 5.5 cm long.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2010)1
Pieter Bleeker: Species described by Bleeker in 18521

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Cinnamon Clownfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Salinity checkevery week
Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
Water testevery week
Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
Glass cleanevery week

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Cinnamon Clownfish?

Feed your Cinnamon Clownfish small amounts once or twice a day, as suggested by Furry Diary's starting plan. They are omnivores and will enjoy a varied diet. Always follow the food label for portion sizes and consult your vet if unsure.2 1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Cinnamon Clownfish eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Cinnamon Clownfish is an omnivore that happily eats flakes, brine shrimp, mysid shrimp, algae, and pellets. As for what it should never eat, that depends on the specific food; ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for a list of unsafe foods.2 1

How much space does a Cinnamon Clownfish need?

Cinnamon Clownfish need a saltwater aquarium with rockwork or a host anemone. The exact tank size varies with the setup and number of fish, so ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for the right size for your situation.

What temperature, light or water does a Cinnamon Clownfish need?

Your Cinnamon Clownfish needs a stable saltwater environment. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily temperature checks and weekly salinity checks, but for exact temperature, light, and water parameters, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet. Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Cinnamon Clownfish's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests cleaning the glass weekly and performing a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Also top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Regular water testing helps keep conditions perfect. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Cinnamon Clownfish live with others?

Yes, Cinnamon Clownfish can live with others, but they are territorial once settled. They naturally live in small size-ranked groups with a breeding pair. Choose tank mates carefully and ask a good breeder for compatible species.3 2 1

How long does a Cinnamon Clownfish live?

The lifespan of a Cinnamon Clownfish varies depending on care and environment. For a reliable estimate, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Can I handle a Cinnamon Clownfish?

Handling a Cinnamon Clownfish is not typical; they are sensitive fish. For any handling needs, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Tomato Clownfish

Maroon Clownfish

Clark's Clownfish

Pink Skunk Clownfish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Amphiprion melanopus, Fire clownfish fishbase.seused for range, max size, depth, host anemone, diet, IUCN status, describer, maturity size, max recorded age
Wikipedia: Cinnamon clownfish en.wikipedia.orgused for names, appearance, size, temperament, host anemones, diet, sex change, aquarium foods
ORA: Cinnamon Clownfish orafarm.comused for New Caledonia colour form, size, temperament, nest size, captive breeding

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.