Cinnamon Clownfish

The Cinnamon Clownfish is a strikingly beautiful anemonefish found throughout the Western Pacific, from Indonesia and the Philippines to the Great Barrier Reef and islands of Melanesia and Micronesia. Its common name derives from its rich dark reddish-brown to cinnamon-colored body, which deepens to near black on the flanks and dorsal region while the face and head retain a vivid orange to red-orange hue. A single bold white bar sits immediately behind the eye, which may fade or become less distinct with age. This dramatic contrast between the fiery face and dark body makes the Cinnamon Clownfish one of the most visually striking clownfish species available.

In the wild, the Cinnamon Clownfish hosts primarily with Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor), though it occasionally associates with other anemone species. It inhabits reef slopes and lagoons at moderate depths, living in small social groups dominated by a single large female. The species exhibits considerable color variation across its range, with some populations displaying more intense red or orange tones while others are predominantly dark. Like all clownfish, it is a protandrous hermaphrodite, with all individuals born male and the dominant fish in each group converting to female.

The Cinnamon Clownfish is hardy, disease-resistant, and easy to feed, making it suitable for beginning marine aquarists. However, it is notably more territorial than gentler clownfish species such as Ocellaris and Percula. Mature females can become quite pugnacious, aggressively defending their host anemone or territory against all comers. A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended, and tankmates should be chosen carefully to include species that can hold their own against moderate aggression.