Common name: Seychelles anemonefish
General information
The Seychelles Anemonefish, Amphiprion fuscocaudatus, is a lesser-known species of clownfish that is endemic to the Seychelles, making it quite rare in the aquarium trade. This species is distinguished by its deep orange coloration with a single white band behind the eye and a unique dark tail, which sets it apart from other clownfish species.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 100 liter (26 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 28 °C (72 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 12 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Easy Hardy and adaptable
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet; accepts most foods
- Social
- Harem Best in groups with 1 male to several females
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be territorial around anemones
- Captive bred
- Yes Widely bred in captivity
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyDamselfishPomacentridae
- GenusAnemonefishesAmphiprion Bloch & Schneider, 1801
- SpeciesSeychelles anemonefishAmphiprion fuscocaudatus Allen, 1972
Care
Due to its rarity, the Seychelles Anemonefish may require more specialized care than more common clownfish species. It is important to provide an environment that closely mimics its natural habitat, with plenty of live rock for hiding and a well-maintained water quality. A varied diet of meaty foods and high-quality marine pellets will help maintain its health and coloration.
Reproduction
Like other clownfish, Amphiprion fuscocaudatus is a protandrous hermaphrodite. They exhibit similar breeding behaviors to other clownfish species, with the dominant individual becoming female. Breeding in captivity may be challenging due to their rarity and specific habitat requirements.
Symbiosis
Seychelles Anemonefish form symbiotic relationships with anemones in the wild, though specific anemone partners are not well-documented due to the limited range of this species. In captivity, they may adapt to host anemones available in the trade, such as Entacmaea quadricolor.
Habitat
This species is found exclusively in the Seychelles, typically in shallow lagoons and reef slopes. They are often associated with coral and rocky substrates where their host anemones reside.