Naked Cinnamon Clownfish: Your Complete Guide To A Striking Reef
Thinking about adding a clownfish to your tank, but want something a little different? Something that breaks from the classic orange-and-white mold and brings a touch of unique, minimalist beauty to your reef? If you’re nodding your head, you’ve likely stumbled upon the stunning naked cinnamon clownfish.
I get it. The search for that perfect, eye-catching fish that’s also hardy and full of personality can feel endless. But I promise you, this guide will solve that problem. It’s your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about these gorgeous fish, taking the guesswork out of their care so you can just enjoy their beauty.
In this article, we’re going to dive deep. We’ll explore exactly what makes these fish so special, how to set up the perfect tank, what to feed them for a long and healthy life, and how to choose tank mates. You’ll get all the best naked cinnamon clownfish tips to ensure your new friend not only survives, but truly thrives. Let’s get started!
What Exactly Is a Naked Cinnamon Clownfish?
First things first, let’s clear up what this fish actually is. The “Naked” part of its name isn’t just for show—it’s the defining characteristic! A Naked Cinnamon Clownfish is a designer morph of the Cinnamon Clownfish (Amphiprion melanopus).
Unlike their standard counterparts who have a single, thick white bar behind their eye, the “Naked” variety has been selectively bred to have no vertical stripes at all. This leaves you with a fish that boasts a deep, rich, burnt-orange or reddish-brown body, creating a striking and beautifully minimalist look. As they mature, their fins often darken to a near-black, providing a stunning contrast.
One of the key benefits of naked cinnamon clownfish is that they combine this unique designer appearance with the hardiness of their wild-type ancestors. They are robust, adaptable, and full of the classic, plucky clownfish personality we all love.
Why Choose a Naked Cinnamon?
- Unique Aesthetics: Their solid, stripeless coloration makes them stand out in any aquarium, especially against the vibrant colors of corals and anemones.
- Hardy Nature: Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for beginners! They are generally more resilient and forgiving of minor parameter swings than some other designer clownfish varieties.
- Engaging Personality: They are active, curious, and will quickly learn to recognize you as their source of food, often greeting you at the front of the tank.
The Ideal Home: Your Naked Cinnamon Clownfish Tank Setup
Creating the right environment is the most important step in our naked cinnamon clownfish guide. Getting the habitat right from the start prevents stress and disease, setting your fish up for a long, happy life. Think of it as building them their perfect little undersea apartment.
Tank Size & Water Parameters
While clownfish aren’t huge swimmers, they still need their space. For a pair of Naked Cinnamons, a tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended. A 30-gallon tank is even better, as it provides more stability in your water parameters and more room for tank mates.
Like all marine fish, they need stable, clean water. Here are the key parameters to aim for:
- Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- Salinity: 1.023-1.025 sg
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm
Consistency is more important than chasing a perfect number. Use a reliable heater and a quality refractometer or hydrometer to keep things stable. Regular water changes (about 10-20% weekly or bi-weekly) are your best friend here.
The Importance of an Anemone (and Alternatives)
In the wild, Cinnamon Clownfish almost always host in a Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor). Watching your clownfish wiggle into its anemone is one of the most rewarding sights in the hobby!
However, anemones are not for beginners. They require high-quality lighting and pristine water conditions. Don’t feel pressured to get one right away. The good news is that captive-bred clownfish, like the Naked Cinnamon, do not strictly need an anemone to thrive.
They will often “host” in other things, such as:
- Large, fleshy corals like Duncan Corals or Toadstool Leathers.
- The corner of the tank or even a powerhead!
- “Anemone-like” decor designed for this purpose.
My advice? Start without an anemone. Once you’re confident in your tank’s stability and have the right equipment, you can consider adding one. Your clownfish will be perfectly happy in the meantime.
Feeding Your Clownfish: A Diet for Vibrant Health
Figuring out how to feed a naked cinnamon clownfish is simple—they are enthusiastic, omnivorous eaters! A varied diet is key to keeping their colors bright and their immune systems strong.
A good feeding plan includes a mix of high-quality prepared foods and occasional frozen treats. I recommend feeding small amounts once or twice a day—only what they can consume in about a minute.
Recommended Foods:
- High-Quality Pellets: Look for marine pellets rich in protein. Brands like TDO (Top Dressed Otohime), New Life Spectrum, and Dr. G’s are excellent choices.
- Flake Foods: Spirulina-based flakes are great for adding vegetable matter to their diet.
- Frozen Foods: Thawed Mysis shrimp, Brine shrimp, and high-quality omnivore blends are fantastic treats to offer 2-3 times a week. They go absolutely wild for it!
Remember, overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes in the hobby. It pollutes your water and can lead to health issues for your fish. A fat clownfish is not necessarily a happy clownfish!
Choosing Friends: Tank Mates and Temperament
Cinnamon Clownfish, including the Naked variety, are considered semi-aggressive. They are bolder and more territorial than the common Ocellaris clownfish, especially as they mature and establish their territory (which might be the entire tank!).
This doesn’t mean they have to live alone! You just need to choose their tank mates wisely. Avoid small, timid fish that might get bullied. Good tank mates include:
- Damsels: Many species like Blue, Yellowtail, or Talbot’s Damsels are hardy enough to hold their own.
- Wrasses: Peaceful wrasses like a Six Line or a Melanurus Wrasse.
- Blennies and Gobies: These bottom-dwellers usually stay out of the clownfish’s way.
- Larger, peaceful fish: Royal Grammas, Firefish, and certain Dwarf Angelfish can be great companions.
Always add the clownfish last or at the same time as other assertive fish. This prevents them from claiming the entire tank as their territory before other fish have a chance to settle in.
Your Complete Naked Cinnamon Clownfish Care Guide: Best Practices
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s pull it all together with some essential naked cinnamon clownfish best practices. Following this advice will help you navigate potential challenges and ensure a smooth experience.
Acclimation: The First Crucial Step
How you introduce your fish to the tank is critical. Never just dump the fish from the bag into your aquarium! This can cause shock and even death. The best method is drip acclimation.
- Place your new fish and its bag water into a small, clean container.
- Using a piece of airline tubing, start a slow siphon from your main tank into the container.
- Tie a knot in the tubing or use a valve to restrict the flow to a slow drip (2-4 drips per second).
- Let this continue for 45-60 minutes, allowing the fish to slowly adjust to your tank’s temperature, pH, and salinity.
- Once the water volume in the container has doubled or tripled, gently net the fish and place it in your aquarium. Do not add the bag water to your tank.
Common Problems with Naked Cinnamon Clownfish (and Solutions)
While hardy, no fish is invincible. Here are a few common problems with naked cinnamon clownfish and how to handle them:
- Brooklynella (Clownfish Disease): This is the big one for clownfish. It appears as a thick, white slime on the body. It’s fast-moving and often fatal if not treated. The best prevention is a proper quarantine (QT) period of 4-6 weeks for any new fish. Treatment usually involves a formalin bath.
- Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans): Looks like tiny white specks of salt on the fish’s body and fins. Again, quarantine is the best prevention. Treatment often requires copper-based medications or tank transfer methods in a separate hospital tank.
- Aggression: A single Naked Cinnamon will be relatively peaceful. A pair will bond and defend their territory. If you notice them bullying other fish, try rearranging the rockwork to break up territories or ensure the tank is large enough for everyone to have their own space.
The Sustainable Choice: Why Captive-Bred Matters
At Aquifarm, we are huge proponents of responsible fishkeeping. This is where choosing a sustainable naked cinnamon clownfish comes into play. Thankfully, nearly all designer clowns, including this one, are captive-bred.
Choosing a captive-bred fish is the most eco-friendly naked cinnamon clownfish choice you can make. Here’s why:
- It Protects Wild Reefs: It eliminates the need to collect fish from fragile coral reef ecosystems, which are already under threat.
- They Are Hardier: Captive-bred fish are born and raised in aquarium conditions. They are already accustomed to prepared foods and the enclosed environment, making their transition to your tank much smoother.
- They Are Healthier: Reputable breeders raise their fish in disease-free systems, reducing the likelihood that your new fish will bring parasites like Ich or Brook into your display tank.
When you buy a captive-bred clownfish, you’re supporting a sustainable industry and making a choice that’s better for the ocean and for your own aquarium. Always ask your local fish store or online retailer about the origin of their fish!
Frequently Asked Questions About Naked Cinnamon Clownfish
Are Naked Cinnamon Clownfish good for beginners?
Yes, absolutely! They are one of the hardier designer clownfish varieties available. Their forgiving nature, combined with their enthusiasm for eating prepared foods, makes them a fantastic choice for someone new to the saltwater hobby, provided the tank is properly cycled and stable.
Do they have to be kept with an anemone?
No, they do not. While they will naturally host in a Bubble Tip Anemone if one is available, captive-bred clownfish are perfectly happy and healthy without one. They will often adopt a soft coral, a rock ledge, or even a corner of the tank as their “home.”
How can you tell the difference between a male and a female?
All clownfish are born as undifferentiated males. When two are paired, the larger, more dominant fish will transition into a female. So, in any established pair, the female will be noticeably larger than the male. If you buy two young, small fish, one will eventually grow larger and become the female.
Can I keep more than two Naked Cinnamon Clownfish together?
This is generally not recommended unless you have a very large tank (100+ gallons). A pair will form a strong bond and will see any other clownfish as a rival. In a standard-sized aquarium, this will lead to constant fighting and stress, likely ending in the death of the weaker fish.
Your Journey with the Naked Cinnamon Begins!
You now have a complete naked cinnamon clownfish care guide at your fingertips. From setting up the perfect tank to understanding their unique personality and needs, you’re ready to provide an amazing home for this truly special fish.
Remember the key takeaways: start with a stable, mature tank, provide a varied diet, choose tank mates carefully, and always opt for a captive-bred fish. Don’t be intimidated by their designer label—these are robust, engaging, and incredibly rewarding fish to keep.
Now go on and enjoy the minimalist beauty and vibrant personality of the Naked Cinnamon Clownfish. Happy reefing!
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