This little fish, measuring up to 14 cm (5.5 inches), boasts a striking appearance. Its dark brown body features three white bars and a broad white margin on the caudal fin. The most distinctive feature is the wide middle bar, which is about twice the average width of other anemonefishes and resembles a flat-topped pyramid. Bright blue markings often adorn its upper lip and bar edges, while the dorsal fin may be orange or yellow.
Unlike other anemonefish, A. latezonatus is unlikely to be confused with any other species due to its unique midbody bar. While it shares some visual similarities with A. polymnus (saddleback anemonefish) and A. sebae (sebae anemonefish), its broader midband and distinct shape set it apart. Genetic analysis has revealed that A. latezonatus has a monospecific lineage and is more closely related to A. percula (clownfish) and Premnas biaculeatus (maroon or spine-cheeked anemonefish) than to the saddleback group.
In the waters from southern Queensland to northern New South Wales, Norfolk Island, and Lord Howe Island, this wide-band anemonefish thrives alongside its sea anemone hosts. Its elegant appearance and unique adaptations make it a prized gem for marine enthusiasts.
