Yellowtail

About the Yellowtail

The Clark's Anemonefish, or Yellowtail Clownfish, is a small, striking reef inhabitant, typically growing up to 10-15 cm. Its body coloration is highly variable, ranging from black to brown to orange, often with two prominent white vertical bands. Juveniles and some adults commonly display bright yellow fins and tail, which gives it its common name. These fish are easily identifiable by their strong association with host sea anemones.

Source: FishBase & iNaturalist

Habitat

This species is a resident of tropical coral reefs, thriving in shallow waters, typically less than 60 meters deep. It forms an obligate symbiotic relationship with a wide variety of sea anemone species, using their stinging tentacles for protection from predators. You'll typically find them darting in and out of their anemone hosts.

Distribution

The Yellowtail Clownfish boasts an incredibly broad distribution across the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the Persian Gulf and Red Sea eastward to Fiji, and from southern Japan southward to Australia.

Behaviour

Primarily omnivorous, these clownfish feed on small zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, and algae, often picking morsels directly from their host anemone or surrounding water. They are highly territorial, rarely straying far from the safety of their chosen anemone. Their days are spent cleaning their anemone and foraging nearby, exhibiting a distinct social hierarchy within their small groups.

Lure suggestion

As a small reef species, the Yellowtail Clownfish is not a target for recreational anglers and holds no value as a sport or food fish. They are typically observed by divers and snorkelers, or occasionally caught incidentally on very tiny hooks when targeting other, much smaller reef species. No specific lures or baits are recommended for angling them.