The Sebae Clownfish is often confused with the Clarkii Clownfish even though they look very different. According to known fish expert Scott W. Michael, the confusion began when several large wholesalers labeled Clarkii Clownfish as Sebae Clownfish many years ago and unfortunately this misconception has taken hold. Clarkii Clownfish are readily available and hardy, but the Sebae Clownfish is rare and less hardy. The Sebae Clownfish has a brown to black body coloration with two wide white body stripes. The second body stripe extends up into the second dorsal fin. Sebae Clownfish have yellow coloration on their mouth, pelvic fin, belly, anal fin, caudal peduncle, and caudal fin. The Sebae Clownfish that is cultured by Sea & Reef has the more sought after melanistic variation which means it is all black on the snout and ventral side of the fish, but still has a bright yellow tail. Wild collected Sebae Clownfish seem to be sensitive to water quality and susceptible to protozoan parasites like Brooklynella (Clownfish Disease) and Amyloodinium (Marine Velvet). However, captive bred Sebae Clownfish from Sea & Reef are hardier and guaranteed free of any parasites and diseases. This species is considered one of the most challenging clownfish to breed in captivity.

Distribution

Sebae Clownfish comes from the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. It can be found west to Aden, North to Iran, South to Maldives and east to Sumatra and Java. The majority of the collection for the trade takes place in Sri Lanka.

Temperament & Captive Care

The Sebae Clownfish is a calmer member of the clownfish family, but can become territorial when it reaches adult size. Sebae Clownfish. They are mesmerizing to observe due to their “bobbing” swimming behavior.

Feeding

Most clownfish are omnivorous feeders, meaning that they will consume a variety of different food types. In nature the diet of clownfish consists of crustaceans (such as copepods and amphipods), algae, polychaete worms, and leftovers from the anemone’s meal. Our captive bred fish are conditioned to eat a variety of aquarium diets including pellets, flake food, frozen Mysis shrimp, and frozen brine shrimp.

Natural Host Anemones

In their natural environment Sebae Clownfish are only found hosing in Haddon’s Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla haddoni).

Aquarium Host Anemones

Captive bred clownfish do not need an anemone to survive in a reef tank. However, keeping clownfish with an anemone fosters a symbiotic relationship that is fascinating to observe. Sebae Clownfish will accept a wide variety of host anemones that many hobbyists keep. We recommend either its natural sea anemone Haddon’s Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla haddoni) or the hardy Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor).