Barrier reef anemonefish
📖 Overview
Adults occur in lagoon and outer reefs . Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate . Males guard and aerate the eggs . Associated with the anemones: Entacmaea quadricolor, Heteractis aurora, Heteractis crispa, Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla haddoni, and Stichodactyla mertensii . Has been reared in captivity .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 17; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 13 - 14. Body and head orange with two black-edged white bars; the first running from the top of the head across the face, just behind the eye; the second from the mid portion of the dorsal fin. Caudal peduncle and caudal fin white.: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Barrier reef anemonefish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
The diet of the Barrier Reef anemonefish consists primarily of algae (seaweeds) and zooplankton. The dominant pair in the social hierarchy tend to travel farther from the host anemone in order to find food. The host anemone may benefit from small pieces of food which the anemonefish drop when feeding.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . Eggs are demersal and adhere to the substrate . Males guard and aerate the eggs . Also Ref. 7471.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 1 - 25 m . Subtropical; 10°S - 32°S South Wales), New Caledonia, and Loyalty Islands.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Barrier reef anemonefish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 177 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Barrier reef anemonefish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
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