Cinnamon (Amphiprion melanopus)

Description:
A red-colored clownfish with a white stripe running through the opercula. Most specimens possess a black patch on the posterior flank. The white stripe of some individuals may contain reflective blue pigments. The pelvic fins are black.

Natural Ecology:
This species naturally lives among the tentacles of Bubble-tip anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor), Sebae anemones (Heteractis crispa), and magnificent anemones (Heteractis magnifica). This natural behavior protects wild clownfish from predators. Proaquatix clownfish do not require anemone hosts but will accept them if present.

Indigenous To:
Range extends from Sulawesi and Moluccas eastward to Society Islands, northward to Mariana Islands, southward to the Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, and Tonga.

Behavior:
Like all clownfish, Amphiprion melanopus is a sequential hermaphrodite. The largest individual present will exert dominance and become reproductively female. The next largest fish will become reproductively male. Other smaller individuals are rarely tolerated. Presence of the female significantly impedes the growth rate of the male.

Compatibility:
Usually ignores reef invertebrates and corals. Clownfish sometimes adopt various corals and algae as substitutes for host anemones.

Food:
Proaquatix specimens have been weaned to take aquarium pellets and flakes. Freshly frozen invertebrates such as ocean plankton, Mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp will be readily accepted.