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ANIMAL SPECIES:Barrier Reef Anemonefish, Amphiprion akindynos (Allen, 1972)

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The Barrier Reef Anemonefish is brown with two black-edged white bars. The first bar crosses the head. The second bar crosses the body at the middle of the dorsal fin. The tail is white.

Identification

As its standard name suggests, the species is found on the northern Great Barrier Reef. It is a small, brown fish with two black-edged white bars.

Size range

This species grows to 12 cm in length.

Distribution

The Barrier Reef Anemonefish occurs in tropical marine waters of the south-western Pacific.

In Australia it is known from the northern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland to northern New South Wales.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Barrier Reef Anemonefish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It lives in close association with several species of anemones. The species name akindynos comes from the Greek word meaning safe or without danger. This refers to the condition the fish enjoys while tucked among the tentacles of its host.

Behaviour and adaptations

Mating and reproduction

Spawning behaviour has been recorded for a number of species of Amphiprion (Allen, 1980). There are three main phases, courtship and nest preparation followed by spawning and nest guarding or incubation. The incubation period lasts for six or seven days and during this time both parents care for the eggs, although the male takes a much more active role in these duties.

Classification

Species:
akindynos
Genus:
Amphiprion
Family:
Pomacentridae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1980. The Anemonefishes of the World: Handbook for Aquarists, Divers and Scientists. Aquarium Systems. Pp. 104.
  2. Allen, G.R. 1991. Damselfishes of the World. Mergus. Pp.271.
  3. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  4. Fautin, D.G. & G.R. Allen. 1992. Anemone Fishes and their Host Sea Anemones. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 159.
  5. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  6. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437.
  7. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.


Last Updated: 29 January 2010

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