[*ReefeD*06]

Can anyone please tell me why some saddleback clowns that are smaller have 1 white stripe on the face and the bigger ones have 1 on the face 1 on the body and a 1/2 on the tail. Are they still the same species? http://www.marinedepotlive.com/404034.html this site has the big clown and this site has the smaller one http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/...=21&pCatId=147.
my other question is will they both go into a S.Hadonni? My lfs has three of the bigger ones and two of the smaller ones and I don't know which ones to get. He says the bigger ones are Australian black perculas. Please help because I need a definite answer. thanks

[Ninong]

This is probably more confusing that you want to know.

First off, only Amphiprion polymnus should be called the Saddleback Clownfish. The first picture you linked to, the one on Marine Depot Live, is of a typical looking specimen of A. polymnus.

However, not all A. polymnus look exactly like that. Some are almost black with yellow faces, white-fringed tail fins and bright yellow-outlined pectoral fins. They have the usual Saddleback striping on the head and tail only. Their center stripe is not saddle shaped and resembles a typical true A. sebae, which are almost never really available anyway. What are called Sebae Clownfish are almost always A. clarkii clownfish.

Now it gets even more complicated. The black versions of A. polymnus are often sold as "Black Percula" clownfish, even though they are really and truly just a different color of A. polymnus, the Saddleback Clownfish. But... they aren't the only ones sold as "Black Percula" clownfish. No, that would make it too easy, wouldn't it.

There are two more clownfish that are sold as "Black Percula" clownfish: There is a black color morph of A. ocellaris that is found in the waters near Darwin, Australia. It is called a Black Percula even though it is really a so-called False Percula or Ocellaris Clownfish. Then there is a strain of almost all black true Percula Clownfish that are being sold as "Black Percula" clownfish. Some A. percula clownfish naturally have more black than others and some people are breeding A. percula to intensify this trait.

So, the bottom line is this: Three different species are sold as "Black Percula" clownfish. The black version of A. polymnus, the black version of A. ocellaris and the blacker specimens of A. percula.

It is possible to tell them apart at any age if you have one in your hand or if you have an extremely clear close-up picture of the specimen that enables you to count the dorsal fin spines and the pectoral fin rays accurately. Lots of luck on that score.

The good news is that S. haddoni is a natural host for A. polymnus and in captivity most A. ocellaris and A. percula will accept S. haddoni as a host.

P.S. -- Your second link didn't work.

P.P.S. -- Some species of clownfish have been known to take on more black pigmentation if they associate with S. mertensii anemones.

[*ReefeD*06]

thanks alot. so should I just get the two small clowns that have the stripe on their back that resembles a saddle for my S. Hadonni?http://www.ecorals.tv/product.cfm?si...65288&pid=1268
This is another link to the smaller clownfish the other link didn't work.

[Ninong]

That's up to you but at least they are a natural match for your anemone.

What size is your tank? As long as your tank is at least 40 gallons and not already overstocked you should be OK.

[*ReefeD*06]

the tank is a 46 bowfront with about 60 pounds LR, DSB, no other fish and a couple of corals. Thanks for the help and quick answer.

[Ninong]

When I posted that your tank should be at least 40 gallons or more, I was only thinking about the adult size of the clownfish in question, which is rather larger at 4 to 5 inches TL when mature. Obviously, the bigger the better. However, just in case you didn't already realize this, your tank is way too small to keep any of the carpet anemones long-term.

You will eventually have to upgrade to a larger tank because of the size of the Haddoni or find it a new home. I'm not trying to be critical, I just want you to be aware of that eventuality.

[*ReefeD*06]

I will soon be upgrading to a 120 gallon.