EnglishName: Clarks anemonefish
Local Name : Maagandu mas
Size : Common to 8 cm; max. 12 cm
Family: Order : Specimen :
POMACENTRIDAE Perciformes MRS/P0495/97
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 10 or 11 spines and 14-17 rays. Anal fin with 2 spines and 12-15 rays. Pectoral rays 18-21. Body depth 1.7-2.0 in standard length.
Colour: Blackish with three white bars crossing head, body and caudal peduncle. There is considerable variation in the ratio of black to orange-yellow on the fins and ventral part of head and body.
Habitat and Biology: Inhabits lagoons and outer reef slopes up to 55 m. Symbiotic with a variety of anemones; usually one adult pair and a few juveniles per anemone. Omnivorous.
Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
Remarks: Amphiprion clarkii is the most widespread species in the genus, being found right across Indo- Pacific and occurring with a variety of giant sea anemones. Anemonefishes gain protection from predation among stinging tentacles of anemones. They themselves are immune to being stung, thanks to their special mucus coating. This gives them one of their Dhivehi names: “Saiboanimas�? or soap fish.