Cinnamon Clownfish (Amphiprion Melanopus)

The Cinnamon Clownfish, also frequently called the Fire Clownfish or Black-backed Anemonefish, is a bold and hardy species characterized by its deep, warm color palette. While it looks somewhat similar to the Tomato Clownfish (A. frenatus), the Cinnamon is generally darker and develops a much more aggressive and territorial personality as it matures.

Key Information

• Common Names: Cinnamon Clownfish, Fire Clownfish, Black-backed Anemonefish, Red and Black Anemonefish

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion melanopus

• Origin: Western Pacific (Indonesia to French Polynesia, north to the Marshall Islands)

• Max Size: 12 cm (approx. 4.7 inches)

• Lifespan: 10–15+ years

• Temperament: Aggressive; highly territorial, especially when guarding an anemone

• Diet: Omnivore – Readily accepts almost all aquarium foods

• Care Level: Very Easy

Appearance & Identification

The Cinnamon Clownfish features a distinctive "smoky" aesthetic:

• Body Color: A dark mahogany to burnt-orange base. As they age, the sides of the body typically darken into a deep brownish-black, leaving the face and belly a brighter orange.

• The Headband: A single, wide white vertical bar (the "headband") sits just behind the eye. In some specimens, this bar can take on a bluish-white tint.

• Fins: All fins (dorsal, anal, and caudal) are usually the same bright orange as the face, providing a sharp contrast to the dark body.

• VS. Tomato Clown: Unlike the Tomato Clownfish, the Cinnamon usually has darker pelvic and anal fins (often black), whereas the Tomato's pelvic/anal fins are typically red or orange.

Behaviour & Tank Compatibility

• Territoriality: This is one of the most aggressive members of the Amphiprion genus. They will fiercely defend their chosen corner of the tank (or their anemone) against any intruder, including the hands of their owners!

• Social Structure: Best kept singly or as a mated pair. Never attempt to keep them with other species of clownfish in the same tank unless the system is massive (750L+), as the Cinnamon will likely kill the newcomers.

• Anemone Symbiosis: Their preferred natural hosts are the Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor), the Leathery Sea Anemone (Heteractis crispa), and the Magnificent Sea Anemone (Heteractis magnifica).

• Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They do not bother corals, though their aggressive "fanning" of the sand or vigorous swimming near a host can sometimes irritate nearby delicate polyps.

Ideal Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) for a single, but 150L–200L (40–55 Gallons) is recommended for a pair to allow room for their territorial boundaries.

• Rockwork: Provide plenty of live rock with a clear "centerpiece" (like an anemone or a specific flat rock) for them to host.

• Tank Mates: Should be housed with semi-aggressive to aggressive fish that can handle a bit of bullying, such as Damsels, Dottybacks, large Tangs, or Wrasses. Avoid shy, slow-moving fish like Pipefish or small Gobies.

• Feeding: Not picky eaters. Offer a varied diet of frozen mysis, brine shrimp, high-quality flakes, and pellets. Including some vegetable matter (like spirulina) is beneficial for their long-term health.