Macroalgae Farms

Black Saddleback Clownfish

$42.74 $44.99

-5%

Key Features:
⭐ Broad slanted white "saddle" marking across a deep chocolate-brown to black body
• Larger and more elongated than standard Ocellaris/Percula — genuine "gem" alternative clownfish
• Hardy aquacultured reef-safe clownfish with authentic carpet anemone pairing behavior
• Semi-aggressive — one pair per tank, do not mix with other clownfish species

In stock

This product will be available for sale in 2 weeks, but you can pre-order now to receive 10% discount!

Estimated delivery between September 26 and September 28.

Black Saddleback Clownfish

$42.74 $44.99

About this item

Saddleback Clownfish

The Saddleback Clownfish (Amphiprion polymnus) — also called the Saddleback Anemonefish or Saddle Anemonefish — is one of the most distinctive, uniquely marked, and instantly recognizable clownfish species available anywhere in the entire saltwater hobby. Named for its broad slanted white "saddle" marking that crosses dramatically across the mid-body, the Saddleback Clownfish displays a striking deep chocolate-brown to nearly black base coloration accented by a bright white face patch, a distinctive white bar behind the eye, and considerable natural variation in saddle marking size and body color intensity between individual specimens — creating one of the most photogenic and immediately identifiable clownfish silhouettes in the entire marine trade. Slightly larger and more elongated than the more commonly kept Ocellaris and Percula Clownfish, the Saddleback is a genuine "gem" species that stands out as an alternative to the standard clownfish morphs, and delivers real display distinction to reef displays where buyers want something beyond the typical orange-and-white clown aesthetic.

What makes the Saddleback Clownfish such a coveted reef community fish is the combination of unique appearance, hardy care requirements, and dramatic natural association with carpet anemones that has made this species one of the most rewarding clownfish choices for reefers seeking distinctive display presence. Saddleback Clownfish are hardy, aquacultured (captive-bred) specimens that readily accept a wide range of prepared foods including marine flakes, pellets, and frozen mysis and brine shrimp — combined with their beginner-friendly care requirements and complete reef-safe behavior around corals and invertebrates, they are one of the best clownfish choices for reefers building a mid-size mixed reef display and wanting a distinctive alternative to the standard Ocellaris. In the wild, Saddleback Clownfish specifically associate with Saddle Carpet Anemones (Stichodactyla haddoni) and less commonly Sebae Anemones (Heteractis crispa) — pairing your Saddleback with either host anemone in a well-established mature reef delivers one of the most authentic and dramatic clownfish/anemone natural behavior displays available in the marine hobby.

Available Options

1 Saddleback Clownfish

One healthy Saddleback Clownfish (Amphiprion polymnus) — hand-selected from current inventory
Distinctive deep chocolate-brown to black body with broad slanted white "saddle" marking
Bright white face patch and additional white bar behind eye
Hardy reef-safe clownfish for mid-size community reef displays

Care Information

🌡️ Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C)	🧂 Salinity 1.023–1.026 — stable parameters
🏠 Tank Size 30+ gallons minimum, 55+ gallons recommended for a pair with anemone host	🍽️ Diet Omnivore — marine flakes/pellets, frozen mysis, brine shrimp; 1-2 daily feedings
🐠 Temperament Semi-aggressive — one pair per tank, do not mix with other clownfish species	⚙️ Care Level Easy — beginner-friendly aquacultured clownfish

Special Considerations

Saddleback Clownfish are one of the larger and more territorial clownfish species — noticeably more assertive than Ocellaris or Percula Clownfish. Never keep more than one pair per tank, and do NOT mix different clownfish species or genera together in the same aquarium (Saddlebacks should not be housed with Ocellaris, Clarkii, Maroon, or other clownfish species) — territorial disputes between different clownfish species will cause chronic stress and aggression. A minimum 30-gallon aquarium is required, with 55+ gallons strongly recommended for a bonded pair or for pairing with a host anemone (Saddle Carpet Anemones require substantial tank size themselves). Provide plenty of live rock for hiding and territorial establishment, along with a sandy substrate which mimics their natural lagoon environment and gives them a comfortable area for hovering close to the substrate. In the wild, Saddleback Clownfish specifically associate with Saddle Carpet Anemones (Stichodactyla haddoni) as their primary natural host, and less commonly with Sebae Anemones (Heteractis crispa) — while an anemone host is not required for the Saddleback to thrive in captivity (they will live healthy lives without one), pairing with a compatible carpet or sebae anemone delivers the most authentic and rewarding natural behavior display. Only add an anemone host to a well-established mature reef aquarium with stable water parameters and appropriate lighting. Feed a rotating diet of high-quality marine flakes or pellets supplemented with frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood — 1 to 2 feedings per day is sufficient. Saddleback Clownfish are completely reef-safe with all corals and invertebrates and will not harm any sessile reef inhabitants. Like all clownfish, Saddlebacks are protandrous hermaphrodites — all specimens begin as juveniles/males, with the dominant fish in a pair developing into the larger female over time. For pair formation, purchase one larger specimen and one smaller specimen introduced simultaneously to allow natural pair bonding to occur. Individual specimens may show considerable natural variation in white saddle marking size, extension, and body color intensity — this variation is completely normal for the species.

🔍 Aquarium Insights

The Saddleback Clownfish is one of the most distinctive and rewarding alternative clownfish species available to reef keepers:

Broad slanted white "saddle" marking across a deep chocolate-brown to black body — the most distinctive and instantly recognizable clownfish pattern available in the trade
Larger and more elongated than standard Ocellaris/Percula Clownfish — genuine display presence and a "gem" species that stands out as an alternative to the typical orange-and-white clown aesthetic
A hardy, reef-safe, beginner-friendly aquacultured clownfish with authentic natural pairing behavior when housed with compatible Saddle Carpet or Sebae Anemones — one of the best alternative clownfish choices for reefers building distinctive mid-size community reef displays beyond the standard Ocellaris

Learn More

For detailed species information, compatibility, and care tips, visit our Species Library.

Livestock Disclaimer

Due to natural variation, the Saddleback Clownfish you receive will be hand-selected from current inventory and may vary in exact size, saddle marking size and extension, body color intensity (ranging from deep orange-brown to nearly black), and sex. Specific size, marking pattern, and sex cannot be guaranteed and are determined at packing time.

Photographs are representative examples. Individual specimens may vary in size, saddle marking width, and color intensity.

Saddleback Clownfish are semi-aggressive and should be kept as a single specimen or bonded pair only — never mix different clownfish species or genera in the same aquarium. As with all live animals, proper acclimation and a suitable, established environment are essential for best results.

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