© Hectonichus / CC BY-SA 3.0Maldive anemonefish
The Maldive anemonefish is a clownfish with a soft orange body, a single thin white bar behind the head, and black pelvic and anal fins. It is found only in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, where it lives in association with the magnificent sea anemone. It grows to a maximum total length of 11 cm, and its muted body color set against black fins is a big part of its appeal. Like most clownfish, it tends to be territorial, so choosing tank mates carefully matters. It is rated for intermediate aquarists, and lifespan data are limited, so no reliable figure can be given. It suits hobbyists with saltwater experience who can keep a stable tank.
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Apply as a breederMaldive anemonefish key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- Little data available
- Size
- Up to 11 cm TL (FishBase)
- Temperature
- 23〜27℃
- Diet
- Omnivore (zooplankton and algae)
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 23-27°C, specific gravity 1.020-1.026 (Saltcorner).
- Container & Tank
- About 110 L (30 gallons) or more on its own, or about 190 L (50 gallons) with a host anemone.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Peaceful except when defending its host; keep with peaceful fish.
- Reef Compatibility
- Leaves corals alone; reef-safe.
- Diet & Feeding
- Feed frozen brine shrimp, mysis and chopped seafood, plus spirulina-based prepared foods, once or twice a day.
- Health & Cautions
- 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.
About Maldive anemonefish
Maldive anemonefish: a pale orange clownfish with one white head bar and black pelvic and anal fins. Found only in the Maldives and Sri Lanka; up to 11 cm.
7 things to know before welcoming a Maldive anemonefish
1One White Bar, Black Fins
A pale orange body with a single thin white bar behind the head is the main visual cue. Black pelvic and anal fins also help set it apart from other clownfish. Check the listing photos and description for the actual coloration of each fish.
2Found in Only Two Countries
This species is found only in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Because its range is limited, it is reassuring to ask the seller about the fish's origin, such as whether it was collected from the wild or raised in captivity.
3Living With Anemones
In the wild this species lives in association with the magnificent sea anemone. Keeping an anemone in the same tank adds to the equipment and daily care you need to provide. If you do not keep one, offer calm hiding spots such as rockwork and watch how the fish behaves.
4Plan for 11 cm
The maximum total length is 11 cm (FishBase). Even if you start with a small fish, choose a tank with its adult size and swimming space in mind.
5Territory and Tank Mates
Clownfish are generally territorial and may fight with their own species or close relatives. If you keep more than one, watch how well they pair up and how they differ in size, and have a way to separate them if needed. Choose mostly calm fish as tank mates.
6Start With a Stable Tank
This species is rated for intermediate aquarists. Saltwater fish can suffer from sudden changes in water quality or temperature, so set up a stable, established tank before bringing one home. Take your time with acclimation.
7Observation and Feeding
After arrival, calmly observe its swimming, breathing, and response to food for a while. If possible, keep it in a separate tank first so you are less likely to bring problems into your main tank. Try several foods, such as frozen and pellet types, and ask the seller what it is used to eating.
Frequently asked questions about Maldive anemonefish
- Q.Can a beginner keep this fish?
- A.It is rated for intermediate aquarists. It suits people who have kept saltwater fish and can manage water quality steadily. If you are new to the hobby, ask the seller for care advice.
- Q.How do I tell it from other clownfish?
- A.Look for a pale orange body, a single thin white bar behind the head, and black pelvic and anal fins. Its distribution, limited to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, is also distinctive.
- Q.Do I need an anemone to keep it?
- A.In the wild it lives with the magnificent sea anemone, but whether to keep one in your tank depends on your equipment and approach. Without an anemone, provide hiding places and watch the fish closely. It is a good idea to consult the seller before buying.
- Q.How long does it live?
- A.Lifespan data are limited, so no reliable number of years can be given. Plan to keep it for the long term and focus on keeping the tank environment stable.
- Q.Can it live with other fish?
- A.Clownfish are generally territorial and may fight with their own species or close relatives. Choose mostly calm tank mates and introduce them while watching how everyone behaves.
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