
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Amphiprion nigripes
A pale-orange clownfish with a single narrow white head band and black pelvic and anal fins. Found only in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, it lives with the magnificent sea anemone.
The Maldive anemonefish (Amphiprion nigripes) occurs only in the Maldives and Sri Lanka (FishBase), reaching 11 cm TL (Wikipedia gives 11 cm for females and 8 cm for males). It is pale orange with a single narrow white band just behind the head and black pelvic and anal fins - hence the name nigripes, "black feet". It lives along the reef edge and, in the wild, associates with the magnificent sea anemone (Heteractis magnifica). Eggs are laid on rock and guarded by the male; females are larger, and the male changes sex if the female is lost. Saltcorner describes it as a poor swimmer that should be kept with a host anemone, in which case about 190 L or more is recommended. It takes frozen and prepared foods well, leaves corals alone and is peaceful except when defending its host. It has been bred in captivity, and domestically bred fish are sold in Japan; wild-caught imports are uncommon.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Maldive anemonefish grows to Up to 11 cm TL (FishBase).
The ideal temperature for the Maldive anemonefish is 23〜27℃.
Origin
Indian Ocean (Maldives and Sri Lanka)
Lifespan
Little data available
Size
Up to 11 cm TL (FishBase)
Temperature
Sources: FishBase (Amphiprion nigripes) / Saltcorner Fish Library (Bob Goemans)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated as an Invasive Alien Species under Japanese law. Never release aquarium animals into the sea.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Alien Species / FishBase
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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23〜27℃
Omnivore (zooplankton and algae)
23-27°C, specific gravity 1.020-1.026 (Saltcorner).
About 110 L (30 gallons) or more on its own, or about 190 L (50 gallons) with a host anemone.
Peaceful except when defending its host; keep with peaceful fish.
Leaves corals alone; reef-safe.
Feed frozen brine shrimp, mysis and chopped seafood, plus spirulina-based prepared foods, once or twice a day.
A weak swimmer that settles best with a host anemone; in the wild it uses the magnificent sea anemone. Captive-bred fish are considered hardier.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Maldive anemonefish is 23〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
Maldive anemonefish typically reaches Up to 11 cm TL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Maldive anemonefish feeds on: Omnivore (zooplankton and algae). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Maldive anemonefish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026