Common Name: Blackback Anemonefish

Distribution: Locally common in the northern section of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Found in Indonesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, South East Polynesia and the Great Barrier Reef.

Ecological Notes: Associates with the two giant anemone species found locally, Entacmaea quadricolor and occasionally Heteractis crispa. Frequents shallow lagoons and reef slopes. Depth range to 30 m although usually shallower in the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Additional Notes: Body with blackish sides and black ventral and anal fins. Variable amount of reddish-orange colouration on the remainder of the body and fins. Usually a single white band on the head. Of the three species of anemonefish found in the marine park, this species is the least common. Grows to 12 cm.

References: Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p.247.

Daphne G. Fautin and Gerald R. Allen, Field Guide to Anemonefishes and their Host Sea Anemones. Published by Western Australian Museum, 1992. Pp.90-91.