Seychelles Anemonefish Care Guide
Amphiprion fuscocaudatus is a Seychelles and Aldabra anemonefish with three white bars, an orange snout and a distinctively striped dark tail.
Overview
Amphiprion fuscocaudatus is a marine anemonefish of the family Pomacentridae found only in the Seychelles and at Aldabra in the western Indian Ocean. The body is dark brown to blackish with three white bars and an orange or yellow snout, breast and belly. The dark tail carries longitudinal streaks separated by lighter sections, which distinguishes it from the closely similar Amphiprion chrysogaster. The species is almost never available in the trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Amphiprion
- Scientific name: Amphiprion fuscocaudatus
- Common name: Seychelles anemonefish
Habitat
The species is restricted to the Seychelles and Aldabra. FishBase records it from lagoon and seaward reefs, particularly patch reefs, at depths of about 5-30 m in tropical waters near 3-10 °S. It associates with the Mertens' carpet anemone, 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 cm
- Lifespan: 13-14 years
Reef compatibility
Amphiprion fuscocaudatus is reef-safe and does not damage corals or invertebrates. A carpet 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 oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding. The demersal eggs adhere to substrate and are guarded and aerated by the male.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2010.