Amphiprion chrysopterus is the clown most often found in the anemones Heteractis 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 Heteractis 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. This odd pairing has persisted for several years at least, and on at least two occasions, we have witnessed the A. tricinctus tending eggs.
A year later, the hybrid still looked the same.
Created 1 September 2010
Updated 3 August 2018