Three-band Clownfish

The Three-band Clownfish is a striking and relatively uncommon anemonefish endemic to the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean. As its name suggests, this species displays three distinct white vertical bars across a rich orange to reddish-brown body. The first bar sits behind the eye, the second crosses the mid-body, and the third is positioned near the base of the tail. Each white bar is typically edged with a thin black border, creating clean, well-defined markings that give the fish an especially sharp and attractive appearance. The fins are orange to dusky brown, completing a harmonious color scheme.

In the wild, the Three-band Clownfish inhabits the shallow reef environments of the Marshall Islands, where it hosts with Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor) and occasionally Magnificent Sea Anemones (Heteractis magnifica). Its restricted geographic range in the remote Marshall Islands means it is less frequently collected and imported than widespread clownfish species, lending it a certain exclusivity in the aquarium trade. The species lives in small social groups with a dominant female, a breeding male, and several subordinate males.

The Three-band Clownfish is a hardy and beginner-friendly species that adapts well to captivity. It accepts all prepared foods readily, is disease-resistant, and breeds in aquarium conditions. Its semi-aggressive temperament is typical of clownfish in the Amphiprion genus, with territorial behavior centered around the host anemone or chosen territory. Captive-bred specimens are available from some specialty breeders and are recommended for their superior adaptability to aquarium life.