Thiele the Clown (Amphiprion thiellei) – one of the rarest and most mysterious representatives of clownfish, known for their unique red and white a wide range of colors and extremely limited distribution. This fish is considered one of the rarest clownfish species in the world, and its presence in nature remains questionable due to no confirmed sightings in the wild.
✔ Basic facts about Thiel the clown
🔹 One of the rarest species of clownfish
🔹 Probably a natural hybrid
🔹 It has no confirmed habitat
🔹 Known only for the aquarium trade
🔹 The color is similar to the cardinal clown, but with distinctive features
In this article, we will look at origin, habitat, behavior, nutrition, reproduction and characteristics of keeping in aquariums.
Scientific classification
✔ The Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
✔ Type: Chordal (Chordata)
✔ Class: Lucheperi pisces (Actinopterygii)
✔ Row: Perch-like (Perciformes)
✔ Family: Pomacentrovye (Pomacentridae)
✔ Gender: Amphiprions (Amphiprion)
✔ View: Amphiprion thiellei
The species got its name in honor of the researcher Herbert Thiele, who first documented it.
Origin and unique status
🌍 Origin
💥 The species was first described in The 1970s, only it has no confirmed natural range
🔹 Known only from individual samples that have appeared in the aquarium trade
Scientists suggest that Thiele the clown it can be a natural hybrid
🔬 Probable hybrid character
There is a hypothesis that Amphiprion thiellei it is the result of crossing cardinal clown (Amphiprion chrysopterus) and other clownfish species, but there is no evidence for this theory.
❗ Why is this important?
✔ Lack of a wild range calls into question the status of this type as an independent one
✔ If it is a hybrid, then it is it may not have a stable population in nature
✔ Due to rarity A. thiellei has extremely high price in the aquarium trade
Appearance and coloring
🎨 Characteristic features:
✔ The main color is bright red or orange-red
✔ Two vertical white stripes (the first one is behind the head, the second one is in the middle of the body)
✔ The back of the body may be darker than the front
✔ The body shape is slimmer than most other clowns
✔ Maximum size-8-10 cm
🔥 Its coloration resembles that of a cardinal clown, but it has a more contrasting appearance and a distinctly thin body shape.
Habitat and habitat
❓ Myth or reality?
✔ No confirmed habitat Amphiprion thiellei not
✔ Some sources suggest that he It may originate from the Philippines or Indonesia
✔ Until now no researchers have been able to find this fish in the wild
🌊 Probable living conditions
If this species is a hybrid or a natural species, then it can be found:
✔ In coral reefs at depths of 5-30 meters
✔ In symbiosis with sea anemones, such as Stichodactyla gigantea or Heteractis magnifica
Lifestyle and behavior
✅ Symbiosis with anemones
✔ Just like all clownfish, A. thiellei probably it lives in co-existence with anemones
✔ Fish skin mucus prevents burns from stinging anemone cells
✅ Social structure
✔ Presumably, Thiele the clown has typical hierarchical system typical of clownfish
✔ The dominant female is the largest individual in the group, all others are males
Food
🔹 Basic diet:
✔ Small crustaceans (corerods, mysids)
✔ Zooplankton
✔ Seaweed
🔹 Power method:
✔ Collects food in the water column and on the reef surface
✔ Can probably eat the leftover food of its anemone
Reproduction
🔹 Proteroginal hermaphrodite:
✔ The largest male turns into a female if necessary
✔ Female lays eggs up to 1000 eggs, which the male guards
🔹 Is there a population in nature?
✔ Through an unknown habitat reproduction in the wild has not yet been studied
Is it going to disappear?
❗ Main threats:
✔ Destruction of coral reefs
✔ High demand in aquarium trade
✔ Hypothetical absence of a stable population in nature
Keeping in aquariums
🟠 Aquarium requirements:
✔ Volume-from 150 liters
✔ Temperature-24-28°C
✔ Salinity-1.020-1.025
🟠 Compatibility:
✔ Other peaceful reef fish
✔ Desirable keep together with an anemone
Because of its uniqueness A. thiellei it is a coveted trophy for aquarists.
Conclusion
Thiele the Clown is one of the most mysterious representatives of clownfish, which is either a rare natural species or a unique hybrid. Its status remains uncertain, and its rarity makes it one of the most expensive and valuable clowns in the world of aquariums.
💙 Does this fish really exist in nature? This is a mystery that is still waiting to be solved! 🔍🐠
