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Little Shop of Coral

Black Saddleback Clownfish (Amphiprion polymnus)

Black Saddleback Clownfish (Amphiprion polymnus)

$40.00 CAD
$40.00 CAD
Sale Sold out

The Black Saddleback Clownfish is a bold, high-contrast clown with a deep body shape and distinctive “saddle” markings that make it stand out from the more common ocellaris and percula. It is a hardy, personality-packed fish that does well in established reef tanks and is a great option if you want a clown with a more unique look.

Why we love it

  • Striking black-and-white pattern with a classic saddleback shape

  • Hardy once acclimated and great in established systems

  • Big clownfish personality without needing a massive tank

Suggested parameters

  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

  • Nitrate: Under 20 ppm (stable is best)

Care and temperament

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive (especially as it matures or pairs up)

  • Reef safe: Yes

  • Minimum tank size: 30 gallons recommended (larger is better for a pair)

Diet

Black Saddlebacks are not picky and do best with variety.

  • Quality marine pellets and flakes

  • Frozen mysis and brine shrimp

  • Chopped seafood blends

  • Feed small amounts 1 to 2 times per day

Compatibility and tankmates

  • Best kept as a single fish or a bonded pair

  • Can be territorial, especially near its chosen area of the tank

  • Avoid mixing with other clownfish species in smaller tanks

  • Generally compatible with reef safe fish, corals, and inverts

Hosting and anemones

This species is commonly associated with carpet anemones in the wild, but it does not need an anemone to thrive. Many will host soft corals or LPS (like Euphyllia) in home aquariums, but hosting is never guaranteed.

What you are buying

  • You will receive: 1 Black Saddleback Clownfish (Amphiprion polymnus)

  • Colour, pattern, and size can vary slightly between individuals

As with all fish, a proper acclimation and quarantine process is recommended when possible.

View full details

LIGHT

LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.

MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height. 

HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.

FLOW

LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.

MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.

HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.

SKILL

ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.

While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.

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