Mauritius Anemone Clownfish

Description

🐠 Mauritius Anemone Clownfish (Amphiprion chrysogaster)

Rare Beauty from Mauritius — Bold, Hardy, and Full of Personality

The Yellow Belly Clownfish (Amphiprion chrysogaster) also known as the Mauritian Clownfish or Mauritius Anemone Clownfish is a rare and captivating species native to the reefs surrounding Mauritius and Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. Known for its deep velvety black body, bright yellow belly, and electric blue or white facial stripe, this clownfish is a showstopper in any marine aquarium. It stands apart not only for its striking coloration but also for its rarity and robustness in a well-maintained reef tank.

This species is less commonly seen in the hobby, making it a prized addition for collectors and experienced aquarists looking to showcase something extraordinary.

🌟 Key Features:

• 🌍 Origin: Endemic to Mauritius and Réunion – highly sought-after and rarely available
• 🎨 Appearance: Jet-black body with a vibrant yellow belly and fins; bold blue/white face stripe
• 🧬 Species: Amphiprion chrysogaster – not to be confused with Ocellaris or Percula morphs
• 🌊 Size: Up to 12cm (4.7″) – one of the larger clownfish species
• 🧼 Minimum tank size: 150L (40 gallons) or larger for pairs
• 🤝 Temperament: Territorial, especially during breeding or when hosting anemones
• 🍽️ Diet: Omnivorous – enjoys marine pellets, frozen mysis/brine, krill, and enriched flake foods
• 🐚 Reef-safe and anemone-hosting (ideal with Stichodactyla gigantea or Heteractis crispa)

🧠 Behavior and Personality

Amphiprion chrysogaster is known for its intelligent and interactive behavior. It forms monogamous pairs and establishes strong bonds with its chosen anemone. While peaceful when young, adult Yellow Belly Clownfish can become territorial and semi-aggressive, especially when guarding eggs or defending their anemone host.

For this reason, it’s best to avoid housing them with other clownfish species, unless in a very large tank. That said, their behavior is fascinating to observe – from pairing dances to subtle social cues and interactions with invertebrates.

🪸 Habitat & Compatibility

This species thrives in mature reef aquariums with stable water parameters and plenty of rockwork or coral to explore and claim. They are reef-safe and do not harm corals, but may become protective over their nesting zone, especially around host anemones.

Compatible tank mates include:

• Peaceful to semi-aggressive fish like tangs, wrasses, gobies, and blennies
• Avoid other clownfish species or slow, shy tankmates like mandarins or pipefish
• Excellent in pairs or small groups in very large systems

💡 Care Tips

Due to their origin and bold nature, Yellow Belly Clownfish do best when:

• Acclimated slowly (drip method recommended)
• Provided with high water quality and stable conditions
• Kept in a tank with at least 150L for a single, and 250L+ for a bonded pair
• Offered a varied diet to enhance coloration and health
• Paired with an anemone (optional, but highly enriching)

📦 Shipping & Quarantine

We recommend same-day airport-to-airport collection only for Amphiprion chrysogaster, especially in winter months. Fish are packed in breather bags or double oxygenated bags with temperature control to reduce stress. Quarantine is highly recommended due to the species’ value and potential sensitivity to transit stress.

🐟 Why Choose Amphiprion chrysogaster?

Unlike the common clownfish available in most aquariums, A. chrysogaster is rare, robust, and visually striking. With its bold yellow belly and dark velvet body, it offers a dramatic contrast against coral backgrounds. It’s a statement fish – one that marine enthusiasts treasure for both its beauty and character.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your display tank or collect rarer species, the Yellow Belly Clownfish (Amphiprion chrysogaster) is a true gem from the Indian Ocean — ideal for advanced hobbyists who want more than the ordinary.