Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Amblyglyphidodon

Amblyglyphidodon melanopterus

Allen & Randall, 2002

Tonga Blackfin

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Central Pacific Ocean: Endemic to Tonga.

Size: 4 inches (10 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits lagoon patch reefs and reef channels at depths between 3 to about 15 feet (1 – 5 m) and feeds on zooplankton and somewhat on algae.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade, with the adults having a silvery green body with black fins.

Little aquarium husbandry exists for this species, yet should be similar to others in this genus and easily adapt to general aquarium life in reef or fish-only aquariums. Nevertheless, no doubt feisty and should not be housed with timid tankmates.

As to diet, would probably eat most regular aquarium foods, e.g., live fortified brine shrimp and/or finely chopped various frozen or fresh meaty foods such as mysis, squid, fish flesh, shrimp, clam, etc., and plant material, e.g., flake foods, especially those containing Spirulina and should be offered several times daily.

Taxonomy:

    Order: Perciformes

    Suborder: Labroidei

    Family: Pomacentridae

    Subfamily: Pomacentrinae

    Genus: Amblyglyphidodon

FYI: Unsuitable for peaceful community aquariums.

Experience Level: Beginner

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Diet: Omnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Moderately aggressive

Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 84°F (22 – 28°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5

 Amblyglyphidodon melanopterus (Tonga Blackfin)
Photo © John Randall
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