Blackback Anemonefish

Overview

The Blackback Anemonefish (Amphiprion melanopus) is a widely distributed species found throughout the tropical western and southern Pacific Ocean. Like other anemonefish, it maintains a specialized symbiotic relationship with sea anemones, living safely among their stinging tentacles.

Appearance

Adults typically reach up to 12 cm in length and exhibit a reddish-orange body color. A key identifying feature is the single, wide, bluish-white vertical stripe located behind the eye, which is bordered by black. The species name, melanopus, is derived from Greek for "black feet," referring to its characteristic black pelvic fins. While juveniles may display additional white bars, adults often develop a variable black patch on their sides and back.

Distribution & habitat

This species inhabits lagoon and outer reef environments across a vast range, including Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, Australia, and various Pacific island groups. It is most commonly found at depths between 1 and 18 meters, where it resides in close association with host anemones, primarily the Bubble-tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor).

Biology & behavior

These fish live in a strict, size-based dominance hierarchy within their host anemone. They are sequential hermaphrodites that exhibit protandry; the largest individual in a group is the female, followed by the breeding male. If the dominant female dies, the breeding male will transition into a female, and the largest non-breeding male will take its place as the new breeding male.

Feeding

Their diet consists primarily of planktonic copepods and various types of algae found in their reef environment.