Sebae Anemonefish

Amphiprion sebae

Habitat & Distribution :  Reef-associated, depths 2 - 25 m, northern Indian Ocean

Diet: Zooplankton, algae, worms, and small crustaceans

Size: Up to 16 cm

Lifespan: 10 - 15 years

Description

The Seba anemonefish is one of the largest anemonefish species They have dark brown to black body, with orange-yellowish belly, breast, and snout. Some color variation shows the lack of orange-yellowish belly, breast, and snout.

Behavior

The sebae anemonefish are the most territorial anemonefish, making them rarely seen around other anemonefish. Despite their name, they aren't commonly found associating with sebae aneomes, and are instead often found living around carpet anemones.

Reproduction

Males will court the females a week before spawning, and will prepare a nest near an anemone for habitation. The females will lay around 300 - 600 eggs, which will be guarded and aerated by the male, and will hatch within 6 - 8 days of fertilization.

Communication & Perception

Like other clownfish species, they communicate primarily through a combination of acoustic sounds, physical behaviors, and visual signals to maintain social hierarchies and protect their territory.

Predator

Moray eels, lionfish, snappers, groupers and other larger predatory fish.

Conservation Status:  Least Concern (IUCN Red List; 2015)