[4] Clownfish are small-sized, 10–18 centimetres (3.9–7.1 in), and depending on species, they are overall yellow, orange, or a reddish or blackish color, and many show white bars or patches.

Within species there may be color variations, most commonly according to distribution, but also based on sex, age and host anemone.

Clownfish are found in warmer waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans and the Red Sea in sheltered reefs or in shallow lagoons.

It is colorful, with vivid black, white, and yellow stripes, though the exact pattern shows considerable geographical variation.

The caudal fin lacks the sharp demarcation between white and dark and the mid-body bar is narrower on A. allardi and A. akindynos.

[10] Clark's anemonefish is the least host specific anemonefish, living in association with all ten species of sea anemones that host anemonefish: The specific name and the common name both honour the Scottish engraver John Heaviside Clark (1771–1836) who provided illustrations for Bennett's A Selection from the most remarkable and interesting Fishes found on the Coast of Ceylon, from drawings made in the Southern part of that Island.