Reeflings

Common name: Seychelles anemonefish

Scientific name: Amphiprion fuscocaudatus Allen, 1972
Seychelles Anemonefish (Amphiprion fuscocaudatus) snuggles in its protective anemoneTwo Seychelles Anemonefish (Amphiprion fuscocaudatus) snuggles in its protective anemone

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

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perciformes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Damselfish
    Pomacentridae
  6. Genus
    Anemonefishes
    Amphiprion Bloch & Schneider, 1801
  7. Species
    Seychelles anemonefish
    Amphiprion 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.