All fish / Pomacentridae

Thielle's Anemonefish

Amphiprion thiellei

Also known as thielle's clownfish, thiellei clownfish, thielle clownfish, thiellei anemonefish

This is an orange anemonefish with a white stripe that runs along the back and a white bar behind the eye, so it looks partway between the Orange Skunk Clownfish and the Common Clownfish. Very few have ever been seen, and many experts think it is a natural hybrid of Amphiprion sandaracinos and A. ocellaris rather than a true species. Collectors of rare clownfish prize it for its unusual markings.

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

A single pair

Diet

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

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Philippines (known from only a few specimens collected for the aquarium trade)

Breeding

It is expected to breed like other clownfish: a pair lays eggs on a hard surface next to its host anemone and the male guards them until they hatch after about a week. No dependable captive breeding has been recorded, and hybrids made on purpose in captivity are sometimes sold under this name.

Good to know

Its status as a species is doubtful, and fish sold as 'thiellei' are often hybrids bred in captivity or natural crosses, so ask the seller where the fish came from. Like other clownfish, it can turn territorial towards fish that look similar, especially around its anemone.