Amphiprion frenatus
The Tomato Clownfish (Amphiprion frenatus, Brevoort 1856), similar to the Clark’s Anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii),
has a large distribution in the wild compared to many species with a
more localized distribution. Tomato clowns are generally found in
shallow lagoon areas less than 12 feet deep. It is a popular aquarium
fish due to its bright color and durability in the home aquarium. Their
large size makes them well-suited to more aggressive community or
“predator” aquariums. Tomatoes are aggressive feeders and will accept
most aquarium foods, especially meaty seafood and omnivore preparations
to mimic their wild diet, which is composed principally of small
invertebrates, copepods, planktonic organisms, and algae. After
hatching from the egg and growing through metamorphosis, juvenile
tomato clowns develop three white stripes, which disappear as they age
and mature, leaving only a single white head bar in adults.
Physical Description: Tomato clowns generally have
a bright red face, belly, and fins and a single white head stripe in
adults. The sides of tomato clowns can darken with age in some
varieties. The white bar has a distinctive black outline that
distinguishes this species from the similar Amphiprion rubrocinctus from northwestern Australia. The cinnamon clownfish (Amphiprion melanopus)
is also similar, but specimens from most areas have black pelvic and
anal fins. Since the geography of these similar species do not overlap,
knowing the original collection location can be helpful in identifying
species, especially in juveniles with undeveloped colors.
Temperament: Tomato clowns are very territorial and
aggressive to defend their immediate territory from intruders but will
coexist peacefully with other non-clown species that are similar or
larger in size. In larger aquariums, smaller fish will be able to avoid
the territory claimed by the tomato clown.
Size: Grows to 5.5”
Anemone Preference: In the ocean, Tomato clownfish are found living in association with only one species of anemone: the Bubble-tip sea anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor).
Although an anemone isn’t necessary for the healthy captive care or
breeding of the tomato clown, the bubble tip anemones are relatively
easy to keep in the aquarium and are available in several color
varieties, making a pair of tomato clownfish with their host anemone an
excellent choice for an aquarium display with moderate lighting and
water movement.
Distribution: In the wild, tomato clownfish can be
found from Southern Japan in the north of their territory to the South
China Sea and surrounding islands (Malaysia, Philippines, and Taiwan).
