Chagos Clownfish

The Chagos Clownfish is one of the rarest and most geographically restricted clownfish species, found exclusively in the remote Chagos Archipelago in the central Indian Ocean. It displays an orange to brownish-orange body with two white bars, one behind the eye and another mid-body, creating a pattern similar to its close relative the Clark's Clownfish. Its limited range and the protected status of the Chagos Marine Reserve make it an exceptionally rare find in the aquarium hobby.

In its natural habitat, the Chagos Clownfish associates with bubble-tip anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor) and magnificent sea anemones (Heteractis magnifica) on the reefs surrounding the Chagos Islands. It lives in small groups with a dominant female, a breeding male, and several smaller subordinate males following the typical clownfish social hierarchy. The species' isolation has led to subtle but distinct genetic and morphological differences from its Indian Ocean relatives.

On the rare occasions this species becomes available to aquarists, it proves to be a hardy and adaptable fish similar in care requirements to other small Amphiprion species. It is beginner-friendly, reef-safe, and peaceful by clownfish standards. Its extreme rarity and unique geographic origin make it a highly coveted species among dedicated clownfish collectors and marine fish enthusiasts.