Blue-lip Anemonefish

About

The blue-lip anemonefish (Amphiprion latezonatus) is one of the less commonly seen clownfish in the hobby, which is a shame because it has a lot going for it. Native to rocky and coral reefs off eastern Australia and New Caledonia, it tends to occupy deeper reef zones than many of its relatives, which partly explains why it shows up less often in the trade. The coloration is distinctive. A dark body offset by unusually wide white bars, and that subtle but appealing blue tinge around the mouth that gives the fish its name. In the wild, this species associates specifically with the anemone Heteractis crispa, and like other clownfish it forms bonded pairs for breeding. The male takes on egg-guarding and aeration duties, a behavior familiar to anyone who has kept clownfish through a spawning cycle. The good news for interested keepers is that this species has been bred in captivity, so captive-raised individuals do appear occasionally. Because of its intermediate care rating and specific needs, it suits someone who already has a reef tank running smoothly rather than a first-time saltwater keeper. Given the right setup and a compatible host anemone, it can be a long-lived and rewarding fish.