Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-backed anemonefish (Amphiprion ephippium) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacentridae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The saddle anemonefish is a reef fish from the eastern Indian Ocean, known from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Thailand, Malaysia and parts of Indonesia. It grows to about 14 cm and is bright orange-red with a large black saddle blotch on the rear flank; juveniles sometimes also have a white head bar that later disappears. The fish lives in symbiosis with sea anemones in shallow, sheltered coastal waters and is usually found in pairs. Like all anemonefish it is a protandrous hermaphrodite: individuals start as males and the dominant fish changes into a female. The males guard the eggs. The species can live to sixteen years and is assessed as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-backed anemonefish?
The Black-backed anemonefish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Lives in symbiosis with sea anemones; protandrous hermaphrodite; large black saddle blotch
Where does the Black-backed anemonefish live?
The Black-backed anemonefish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Indian Ocean
How big does the Black-backed anemonefish get?
The Black-backed anemonefish grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Black-backed anemonefish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black-backed anemonefish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Black-backed anemonefish edible?
The Black-backed anemonefish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Amphiprion
More from the family Pomacentridae
Want the complete picture on the Black-backed anemonefish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-backed anemonefish is one of 12,519 species in the app.