More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 200 litres / 52.83 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 14.0cm / 5.51inches |
| Reef Compatible | Always reef safe |
| Temperament | Might be aggressive towards similar species |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
The Mauritian anemonefish, scientifically known as Amphiprion chrysogaster, belongs to the Pomacentridae family within the Amphiprioninae subfamily. This species can be found in the Western Indian Ocean specifically in Mauritius. They are characterized by their orange/brown body color with two white/blue/orange bands along with orange/yellow fins and white/yellow tails.
Aquarium Suitability
Mauritian anemonefish are considered suitable for most aquarium setups due to their hardy nature. They are known to be territorial, especially towards their own kind, and may display aggression towards similar species. It is recommended to keep one pair per aquarium as they typically live in male-female pairs, with the female being larger. In some cases, one female can coexist with multiple males successfully.
Care and Hardiness
Being hardy in nature, the Mauritian anemonefish can adapt well to aquarium conditions. They prefer water parameters within the ranges of pH 8.1-8.4, a salinity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12 dKH.
Reef Suitability
Mauritian anemonefish are considered reef-compatible and are known to be safe for reef environments. However, they can exhibit aggression towards other fish species that come too close to their hiding spots, especially when they have an anemone or while protecting their eggs.
Aquarium Setup
When setting up an aquarium for Mauritian anemonefish, it is essential to provide hiding spots like anemones, Hammercoral, or Xenia. These fish thrive in pairs and prefer to stay close to their hiding places. A tank size of at least 200 liters is recommended to accommodate their territorial behavior.
Behaviour
These anemonefish species exhibit social behavior, especially when carrying eggs. They are known to establish strong pair bonds and may become more aggressive when protecting their territory or offspring. Mauritian anemonefish are relatively low swimmers and do not require significant open swimming space.
Feeding and Diet
Mauritian anemonefish are omnivores and require a varied diet in captivity. They can be fed microalgae such as spirulina, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. Regular feeding several times a day is recommended to maintain their health.
Dimorphism
These anemonefish species can exhibit dimorphism as they are hermaphroditic, with the ability to change from male to female. In most cases, the female is larger than the male. It is essential to ensure a proper gender balance when keeping them in pairs to prevent conflicts.