All fish / Pomacentridae

Sebae Clownfish

Amphiprion sebae

Also known as sebae clown, sebae anemonefish, sebae anemone fish, yellowtail clownfish, sebae clown fish, sebae amphiprion, ปลาการ์ตูนเซบา, セバエクマノミ, ikan badut sebae, 塞氏双锯鱼, 二带小丑

A stocky dark brown to black clownfish with two white vertical bars and a bright yellow tail, belly and snout. It is kept for its bold character and its relationship with sea anemones, usually the sebae anemone (Heteractis crispa) or carpet anemones.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

Single fish or one mated pair

Diet

Omnivore: mysis and brine shrimp, quality marine pellets and flakes, chopped seafood and some algae-based food

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Northern Indian Ocean: Arabian Sea, Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Andaman Sea and Sumatra

Breeding

Pairs form with the larger fish becoming female, and eggs are laid on rock next to the host anemone and guarded by the male. It has been bred in captivity, but it is less often farmed than ocellaris or percula clownfish and rearing the larvae needs rotifers and patience.

Good to know

Most specimens are still wild caught and can be delicate on arrival, and adults become territorial and may attack other clownfish. It is easily confused with the more common Clark's clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii), which usually has a third bar near the tail.