Wide-band Anemonefish Care Guide
Amphiprion latezonatus is a subtropical east-Australian anemonefish with an exceptionally wide central white bar, hosting mainly in the sebae anemone.
Overview
Amphiprion latezonatus is a marine anemonefish of the family Pomacentridae from subtropical eastern Australia. The dark brown body bears three white bars, of which the central one is exceptionally wide, about twice the width seen in most anemonefish, and shaped like a flat-topped pyramid. Bright blue markings often appear on the upper lip and bar edges, and the caudal fin has a broad white margin.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Amphiprion
- Scientific name: Amphiprion latezonatus
- Common name: Wide-band anemonefish
Habitat
The species ranges from southern Queensland and northern New South Wales to Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. FishBase records it as a non-migratory, reef-associated fish at depths of about 10-45 m in subtropical waters near 25-32 °S. Its primary host is the sebae anemone, Heteractis crispa, though use of two additional anemone species has been documented.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 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: 13-15 years
Reef compatibility
Amphiprion latezonatus is reef-safe and does not damage corals or invertebrates. As a subtropical species it tolerates cooler water than tropical clownfish. A sebae anemone is the preferred host but is not required in captivity.
Diet
It is omnivorous, feeding on zooplankton and algae in the wild. In aquaria it accepts marine pellets, frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp, offered about twice daily.
Compatibility
The fish is semi-aggressive and territorial around 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
The species is a protandrous sequential hermaphrodite with a strict size-based hierarchy: the breeding male changes to female if the female dies, and the largest non-breeder becomes the breeding male. Spawning is oviparous, the demersal eggs adhere to substrate, and the male guards them. The species has been reared in captivity.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 2021). The species faces risks from anemone and coral bleaching driven by rising temperatures and ocean acidification.