All fish / Pomacentridae

White-bonnet Anemonefish

Amphiprion leucokranos

Also known as white bonnet clownfish, whitebonnet clownfish, white-bonnet clownfish, leucokranos clownfish, leucokranos clown, white cap clownfish, ホワイトボンネットクマノミ, 白冠小丑鱼

A small orange anemonefish with a white saddle-like patch on the head and a thin white stripe along the back. Most experts now treat it as a natural hybrid between Amphiprion chrysopterus and Amphiprion sandaracinos, and its scarcity makes it a prized fish for reef keepers.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

110 litres

Keep as

Single or a bonded pair

Diet

Omnivore: marine pellets, frozen mysis and brine shrimp, chopped seafood, algae-based foods

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: northern New Guinea, Solomon Islands

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs on hard surfaces near their anemone and the male guards them until they hatch after about a week. Captive spawning has been achieved, but rearing the larvae requires rotifers and careful care, and wild fish remain uncommon in the trade.

Good to know

Probably a hybrid rather than a true species, so it may be sold under different names and with variable markings. It can be territorial with other clownfish, and wild-caught fish are expensive.