Maldives Anemonefish Care Guide
Amphiprion nigripes, the Maldives anemonefish, is an Indian Ocean clownfish with an orange body, a single white head bar and distinctive black pelvic and anal fins.
Overview
Amphiprion nigripes, the Maldives anemonefish, is a reef-associated damselfish of the family Pomacentridae. It has a rusty-orange body with a single white bar behind the eye and characteristic black pelvic and anal fins, the feature behind its alternative name, black-finned anemonefish. It reaches a maximum length of about 11 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Amphiprion
- Scientific name: Amphiprion nigripes Regan, 1908
Habitat
The species occurs in the western Indian Ocean, in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. It lives in small groups on outer reef slopes at depths of about 2 to 25 m and associates particularly with the magnificent sea anemone Heteractis magnifica.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Lifespan: 9-11 years
Diet
Amphiprion nigripes is an omnivore that feeds on zooplankton, small benthic crustaceans and algae. In the aquarium it accepts brine and mysis shrimp, chopped shellfish, and high-protein flake and granular foods, fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
This diurnal species occupies the middle water column and is mostly peaceful, showing some territorial aggression when defending its host anemone. It can be kept with tangs, royal gramma, wrasses and cleaner shrimp, while other clownfish species and aggressive predators such as triggerfish should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
Amphiprion nigripes does not eat coral and is reef-safe. It is maintained at reef salinity of 1.024-1.026 specific gravity and carbonate hardness around 8-12 dKH. A host anemone is appreciated but not required in captivity.
Breeding
The species is a protandrous hermaphrodite that forms distinct breeding pairs. Its demersal eggs adhere to the substrate and are guarded and aerated by the male until they hatch.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2021).