Sebae Clownfish – Care Guide, Origin & Captive Breeding

The Sebae Clownfish (Amphiprion sebae) is one of the most misunderstood clownfish species in the marine aquarium trade. According to marine fish expert Scott W. Michael, confusion began years ago when large wholesalers mistakenly labeled the Clarkii Clownfish as Sebae Clownfish. Since then, this misconception has spread widely. While Clarkii clownfish are hardy and common, true Sebae clownfish are rare, less hardy, and often misidentified.

Appearance of Sebae Clownfish

The Sebae Clownfish has a distinctive look that sets it apart:

• Body color ranges from brown to black

• Two broad white stripes, with the second stripe extending onto the second dorsal fin

• Yellow coloration on the face, pelvic fins, belly, anal fin, caudal peduncle, and tail fin

Aquarium breeders like Sea & Reef have developed a melanistic variation of the Sebae clownfish, where the mouth and ventral area are black, but the tail remains bright yellow. This color morph has become especially popular among reef hobbyists.

Wild vs. Captive-Bred Sebae Clownfish

• Wild-collected Sebae clownfish (mostly from Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea) are sensitive to water quality and prone to protozoan parasites like:

  • Brooklynella (Clownfish disease)

  • Amyloodinium (Marine Velvet)

• Captive-bred Sebae clownfish, on the other hand, are much hardier, parasite-free, and disease-free, making them the best choice for aquariums.

Temperament and Behavior

The Sebae clownfish is generally a peaceful member of the clownfish family, but adults may become territorial as they mature. They are known for their unique “bobbing” swimming behavior, which makes them a fascinating fish to observe in reef aquariums.

Sebae Clownfish Care Tips

• Tank Size: Minimum 30–40 gallons

• Water Parameters: Stable salinity, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C

• Diet: A mix of high-quality pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, and marine algae

• Best Kept: In pairs, preferably captive-bred specimens for better survival