Mauritian Anemonefish Care Guide
Amphiprion chrysogaster is an anemonefish endemic to Mauritius, dark-bodied with three white bars and an orange snout and breast, reaching about 15 cm.
Overview
Amphiprion chrysogaster is a marine anemonefish of the family Pomacentridae endemic to Mauritius and probably Reunion in the western Indian Ocean. Adults are very dark brown, almost black, with three white bars and an orange snout and breast; the caudal and anal fins range from blackish to orange-yellow. The species is rarely seen in the aquarium hobby.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Amphiprion
- Scientific name: Amphiprion chrysogaster
- Common name: Mauritian anemonefish
Habitat
The species occupies sheltered reefs and shallow lagoons around Mauritius. FishBase records it from lagoon and outer-reef habitats at depths of about 2-40 m in tropical waters near 19-21 °S. It hosts in three anemone species: Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla haddoni and Stichodactyla mertensii.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Maximum size: about 14-15 cm
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
Reef compatibility
Amphiprion chrysogaster is reef-safe and does not harm corals or invertebrates. A carpet or magnificent anemone host is appreciated but not essential in captivity.
Diet
It is an omnivore that feeds on zooplankton and algae in the wild. In aquaria it accepts marine pellets, frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp, fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
The fish is semi-aggressive and territorial near its host. Tangs, royal gramma, wrasses and cleaner shrimp are suitable companions, while other clownfish species and aggressive triggerfish should be avoided. Keep one bonded pair per anemone.
Breeding
Like other anemonefish, the species is a protandrous sequential hermaphrodite within a dominance hierarchy. Spawning is oviparous with distinct pairing; the demersal eggs adhere to substrate and are guarded and aerated by the male. The species has been reared in captivity.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2021.