MACNA 2014 saw the first public unveiling of the Longfin Clownfish strain developed by Sustainable Aquatics. We’re not sure what we expected when we conjured up a future where domesticated clownfish became “enhanced” with long finnage, perhaps something like a freshwater veiled angelfish or a beta with nice flowing fins.
What the longfin clownfish actually looks like is completely unique, with the longfin trait being exhibited by all the paired and unpaired fins of this particular strain of Amphiprion ocellaris. Compared to what have seen with other long finned freshwater fish, the clownfish variety has like really long fin which grow from the body of the fish with quite irregular margins.
The unusual outline of the irregular fin margins is wholly unlike a crowntail betta where at least the extensions of the fins are regular and follow the fin spines and rays to create a very unique appearance. Meanwhile our long finned clownfishes have only slight extensions of the pectoral fins which kind of makes them appear as though they have “fingers” on their pecs.
Furthermore, instead of being soft and supple like a betta or an angelfish, the long fins of these clownfish are comparatively stiff. Being as this is the first generation of longfin clownfish from Sustainable Aquatics, it’s impossible to know what they might be able to do with these longfin genetics, or what Sea & Reef might do with their own black ocellaris longfin form.
Many “old salt” reefers will likely reject this further guppyfication of the beloved clownfish but in our discussion about clownfish with Matt Pedersen, we touched upon how ALL clownfish varieties were rejected at first, ourselves included. Perhaps over time the longfin clownfish will gain a following but it’s really too early to tell what the future holds for the longfin clownfish.
What do you think? Do you like the look of the longfin clownfish and will you consider getting one when they are available? Let us know in the comments below.
