Wideband anemonefish
Amphiprion latezonatus
The Wideband Anemonefish is a rare subtropical clownfish with a distinctive wide white central band. It requires cooler water temperatures and thrives with a host anemone.
Température de l’eau
20 - 24 °C
Valeur du pH
8.1 - 8.4
Type d'eau
Marin
Niveau dans le bac
Fond et milieu
Taille adulte
14 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 150 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
KH
8 - 12 dKH
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Amphiprion latezonatus, the wideband anemonefish, is native to the subtropical reefs of Eastern Australia, specifically around New South Wales, Lord Howe Island, and the southern parts of the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit rocky reefs and outer slopes at depths of 10 to 45 meters, living in symbiotic association with anemones, primarily the Sebae Anemone (Heteractis crispa).
Taxonomy and Morphology: A member of the Pomacentridae family, this species is relatively large and deep-bodied compared to other clownfishes, reaching a maximum length of 14 centimeters (5.5 inches). The body is robust and laterally compressed, with a slightly emarginate caudal fin. The mouth is terminal with fine teeth.
Social Behavior: Displaying typical clownfish behavior, it is highly territorial and can be aggressive, especially towards other clownfish species or intruders near its host. They form stable, monogamous pairs. Within the pair, a strict social hierarchy exists where the female is dominant and larger than the male.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The body coloration is dark brown to black, marked with three vertical white bars. The middle bar is exceptionally wide, occupying a large portion of the midsection, and often displays a subtle blue hue. The face is dark, and the caudal fin has a white margin. They are protandrous hermaphrodites; the dominant male changes sex to female.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: A minimum tank size of 40 gallons (150 liters) is required for a pair. The tank should feature a healthy host anemone (Heteractis crispa is preferred) settled on live rock. Due to their subtropical origin, a water chiller is highly recommended to maintain cooler temperatures year-round.
Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous and easy to feed. Offer a varied diet of frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood, along with high-quality marine flakes and pellets. Food containing spirulina or marine algae should be provided regularly to support color development.
Water Quality: Unlike tropical clownfish, this species thrives in cooler water temperatures between 20 and 23 °C (68 to 73 °F). Avoid sustained temperatures above 25 °C (77 °F). Keep specific gravity stable at 1.020 to 1.025, pH at 8.1 to 8.4, and ensure efficient protein skimming.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Excellent for reef tanks. They are generally peaceful towards non-related fish but will defend their anemone aggressively. Do not mix with other clownfish species in the same tank to prevent territory battles. Safe with corals and standard invertebrates.
Aquarium Breeding: Captive breeding is achieved by experienced aquarists. The pair spawns on a flat surface near the anemone base, and the male cares for the eggs until they hatch in about 7-9 days. Raising the larvae requires rotifer cultures and precise larval rearing tanks.
Risks and Diseases: They are extremely vulnerable to Brooklynella hostilis (clownfish disease), which is often fatal if not treated quickly with formalin baths. They are also prone to marine ich (Cryptocaryon). Stress from high water temperatures significantly lowers their disease resistance.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Amphiprion latezonatus, the wideband anemonefish, is native to the subtropical reefs of Eastern Australia, specifically around New South Wales, Lord Howe Island, and the southern parts of the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit rocky reefs and outer slopes at depths of 10 to 45 meters, living in symbiotic association with anemones, primarily the Sebae Anemone (Heteractis crispa).
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifsAustralie, Nouvelle-Guinée et Océanie
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- The Wideband Clownfish is a semi-aggressive and highly territorial species, particularly as it reaches maturity and establishes a home base. They will aggressively defend their host anemone or chosen rockwork against any intruders, including other clownfish and similarly shaped species. To minimize conflict, it is best to keep them as a single specimen or an established pair, and avoid housing them with overly docile or passive tank mates. Proper aquascaping with visual barriers can help reduce territorial disputes in community setups.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- As omnivores, these fish require a varied diet consisting of both meaty foods and plant matter to maintain their health and vibrant coloration. In the aquarium, they should be offered high-quality marine pellets, flakes enriched with spirulina, and frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Providing a diverse menu ensures they receive all necessary vitamins and nutrients. Feeding captive-bred specimens is usually straightforward, as they readily accept prepared commercial diets.
- Espérance de vie
- 10-15 years
- Taille adulte
- 14 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- 1:1 ratio
- Like all anemonefish, this species exhibits protandrous sequential hermaphroditism, meaning they are born genderless and can transition from male to female. They are best kept as a single specimen or as a matched male-female pair, which can be established by introducing two young, juvenile individuals of different sizes. In larger aquariums, a small group can be kept, where a strict size-based dominance hierarchy will form with a single breeding pair and several smaller, non-breeding subordinates. Introducing multiple mature females will lead to severe and potentially fatal fighting.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- It is recommended to feed the Wideband Clownfish in small portions one to two times daily. Frequent, controlled feedings help satisfy their energy needs and mimic their natural foraging behavior on the reef. Regular feeding schedules also play a role in reducing territorial aggression, as well-fed individuals are generally less competitive over resources. Any uneaten food should be removed promptly to prevent water quality deterioration.
- Charge biologique
- Medium
- The Wideband Clownfish produces a moderate biological waste load, primarily due to its relatively large adult size of up to 14 centimeters and hearty appetite. Maintaining this species requires a robust filtration system, an efficient protein skimmer, and regular water changes to manage nutrient levels. This is especially critical if they are housed with a host anemone, which demands immaculate water quality to thrive. A minimum tank volume of 30 to 50 gallons is recommended to dilute waste and maintain stable chemical parameters.
- Courant
- Moderate
- This species prefers moderate, indirect water flow within the aquarium. While they originate from coral reef environments, they require calm zones where they can swim easily without fighting strong currents, particularly near their host anemone or resting site. High-velocity linear flow can stress the fish and should be avoided in favor of randomized, turbulent flow created by wavemakers. Ensuring adequate water movement is still important to maintain high oxygen levels and keep detritus from settling.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- While they are not notorious jumpers compared to some wrasses or gobies, they do pose a moderate jump risk, especially when startled or stressed. Sudden lighting changes, aggressive interactions with tank mates, or the initial acclimation period can cause them to leap from the water. To prevent accidental escapes and loss, the aquarium must be fitted with a tight-fitting lid or a secure mesh cover. Taking these precautions is vital for safeguarding these valuable and highly sought-after fish.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding the Wideband Clownfish in captivity is a challenging but achievable endeavor that requires a compatible, mature pair. They are egg-layers, with the female depositing adhesive eggs on a flat rock surface near their host anemone, which the male then fertilizes and diligently guards until hatching. The larvae hatch in darkness after several days and must be moved to a dedicated rearing tank. Raising the fry is difficult, requiring a steady supply of live rotifers and microalgae to sustain them through their early developmental stages.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Community
- The Wideband Clownfish is compatible with a wide range of semi-aggressive reef fish, such as larger damselfish, tangs, and moderately active wrasses. However, they should not be kept with other clownfish species in the same aquarium to prevent severe territorial combat. They are reef-safe and generally do not harm corals or sessile invertebrates, making them excellent candidates for reef tanks. In the wild, they share a symbiotic relationship with the anemone *Heteractis crispa*, which they will readily host if provided.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle/Bottom
- The Wideband Clownfish typically occupies the bottom and middle zones of the aquarium, where they will establish a home territory. They tend to hover closely around their chosen host anemone or a specific rocky crevice that serves as their sanctuary. While they will venture to the upper levels of the water column to feed during meal times, they rarely wander far from the safety of their designated territory. Providing ample rockwork at these lower levels is essential for their security and comfort.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 2,7 ± 0,3 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.02344, b = 2.98
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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