Amphiprion melanopus “New Caledonia Blue Stripe Cinnamon” Clownfish, Captive Bred

The New Caledonia form of Cinnamon Clownfish, Amphiprion melanopus, is considered by some to be the most colorful variant of the species. It is produced on large commercial scale by multiple producers including Oceans, Reefs & Aquariums (ORA®) and Sustainable Aquatics.

When small, these fish have red ventral fins, red bodies and may show a 2nd midstripe.  As they mature, they change coloration. The midstripe disappears, and is replaced by a deep black patch on the flank. The dorsal fin may lighten in coloration to a yellow or orange shade, while the ventral fins will turn black although the anal fin remains orange/red.  Upon maturity, New Caledonia Cinnamon clownfish are said to develop a blue headstripe (other geographic locations are more commonly white throughout their life).

While I haven’t been able to photograph this form as an adult yet, check out this great video from Citron Bay, Noumea, New Caledonia, which shows just how striking this form is upon maturity.