Red Sea anemonefish

Amphiprion bicinctus

Occurring in

Indian Ocean
Red Sea

1-30m

DayAndNightActive

not endangered

This species is easily recognized by its two white to slightly bluish glowing vertical stripes – a consistent feature that appears on every individual, no matter the color variation. The coloration of this anemonefish can vary widely, ranging from bright yellow to deep brown. Its body shape is also quite distinctive, tapering smoothly toward the back and ending in a rounded, D-shaped tail fin.

Habitat

Coral reef

Special features

This species is easily recognized by its two white to slightly bluish glowing vertical stripes – a consistent feature that appears on every individual, no matter the color variation.

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Appearance

The coloration of this anemonefish can vary widely, ranging from bright yellow to deep brown. Its body shape is also quite distinctive, tapering smoothly toward the back and ending in a rounded, D-shaped tail fin.

Natural enemies

Predatory fish

Dangerous/Venomous

The Red Sea anemonefish is neither dangerous nor venomous.

Sketch

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1. Glowing white stripes

Pro tips

This species lives in symbiosis with up to five different species of sea anemones, making it quite flexible when it comes to choosing its home. It’s commonly encountered and considered one of the more widespread and adaptable anemonefish.

Anemonefish belong to the damselfish family and are famous for their close, symbiotic relationship with certain sea anemones – usually around ten species. Each type of anemonefish tends to have one or two preferred anemone hosts.

As juveniles, they deliberately expose themselves to the stinging cells of their anemone to build up immunity – a process that allows them to live safely among the tentacles. In return, they defend their anemone from predators, and the anemone offers them shelter – a true underwater dream team!
Anemonefish feed primarily on zooplankton, and thanks to the current flowing past their anemone home, they often don’t even have to leave their cozy hideout to catch it.

In a mated pair, the female is always the larger and more dominant partner. If she dies, the highest-ranking male undergoes a complete sex change and becomes the new female – a fascinating natural adaptation.
Spawning usually happens around the full moon. In tropical regions, this can occur year-round, while in subtropical waters, it’s mostly limited to the warmer months. Females lay between 500 and 1,500 eggs near the base of the anemone, and the male takes on the full-time job of guarding and caring for them.

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Text: Carolina Leiter

Pic: Felician Hosp

Illustration: Dive Dict