Description
Scientific Name: Amphiprion bicinctus
Common Names: Rea Sea Clownfish, Two Banded Clownfish
Maximum Length: 6″
Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 Gallons
Aquarium Suitability: Durable
Foods & Feeding: Omnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial, especially toward conspecifics or similar species. Best housed as a single pair per tank; can be aggressive near their anemone or hiding spots.
Captive Care: The Two-Banded Clownfish is a hardy species suitable for intermediate hobbyists in reef setups. Provide an anemone host (compatible species like Entacmaea quadricolor or Stichodactyla gigantea) or ample hiding places with live rock to mimic their natural habitat. Introduce as a pair (one larger female and one smaller male) to encourage bonding; avoid multiple females.
Fun Facts
- Sex-Changing Wonders: Amphiprion bicinctus are protandrous hermaphrodites—males can change into females if the dominant female dies, ensuring the pair’s hierarchy and breeding continuity.
- Anemone Symbiosis: They form a mutualistic relationship with sea anemones, gaining protection from predators while providing the anemone with food scraps and aeration through their movements.
- Red Sea Natives: Endemic to the Red Sea and adjacent Indian Ocean, these clownfish are known for their vibrant orange-yellow bodies with two bold white bands, adapting well to captive environments that replicate warm, shallow reefs.
- Hierarchical Harmony: In the wild, they live in small groups led by a breeding pair, with smaller males waiting their turn—mirroring this in aquariums promotes natural behavior and reduces stress.
