Amphiprion chrysopterus is the clown most often found in the anemones Radianthus crispa and Stichodactyla mertensii. It has two white stripes and a white or translucent tail fin. In most large individuals especially, the white stripes develop a hint of blue. There are usually two adults and one or two juveniles per anemone, and the adults will often vigorously defend their anemone from intruders. I have had them strike my camera, facemask, or regulator mouthpiece if I approach too closely.
Young specimens, and even sometimes adults occupying Radianthus crispa, have more of a medium brown color rather than orange and dark brown.
This unusual individual was with a typical Amphiprion chrysopterus in a Stichodactyla mertensii. It had an uncharacteristic nearly all black tail and a black rather than orange dorsal fin. It almost looked as though it could have been a hybrid with Amphiprion tricinctus. Coincidentally, this same pinnacle reef had another Stichodactyla mertensii occupied by one typical A. chrysopterus and one dark variety A. tricinctus.
A year later, the hybrid still looked the same.
Created 1 September 2010
Updated 11 December 2024