Gap in the Continuous Range of Amphiprion clarkii (Pomacentridae) in the Gulf of Thailand (South China Sea). Possible Causes

Among the ten species of anemonefish symbiotic anemones recorded for Vietnam, we have distinguished two main species, Entacmaea quadricolor and Stichodactyla mertensii, that maintain the existence of Amphiprion clarkii spawning pairs and juveniles. A. clarkii has a continuous range in the coastal waters of Vietnam, including the nearby islands. This species lives in symbiosis with the sea anemone E. quadricolor from the northern boundary of waters of Vietnam (21 degrees 30 ' N) to the Con Son (Con Dao) Islands (8 degrees 36 ' N) and in symbiosis with E. quadricolor and S. mertensii from the Ly Son Islands (15 degrees 26 ' N) to the Con Son (Con Dao) Islands (8 degrees 36 ' N). The southern boundary of the range of A. clarkii is the area of the Con Son (Con Dao) Islands and it does not penetrate farther into the Gulf of Thailand, which is explained by the absence of its main symbiotic sea anemones in the gulf.

Automated summary

Among the ten species of anemonefish symbiotic anemones recorded for Vietnam, there are two main species, Entacmaea quadricolor and Stichodactyla mertensii, that maintain the presence of Amphiprion clarkii. A. clarkii has a continuous distribution in the coastal waters of Vietnam and nearby islands, with its southern boundary being the Con Son (Con Dao) Islands. The reason A. clarkii does not extend into the Gulf of Thailand is due to the absence of its main symbiotic sea anemones in that area.