Skunk clownfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Distributed throughout the Indian Ocean, from East Africa and Madagascar to the Andaman Islands and Sumatra. Inhabits shallow seaward reefs, hosting in Heteractis magnifica.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the Pomacentridae family. Possesses a slender, compressed body. Grows up to 11 cm (4.3 inches) in length. Closely resembles A. sandaracinos but is pinker.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and relatively shy compared to most other clownfishes. Relies heavily on its host anemone for protection, rarely swimming far from the tentacles.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Soft pinkish-peach body with a thin, narrow white stripe starting between the eyes and running along the dorsal ridge to the tail. Females are larger than males.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank volume of 100 liters (25 gallons) with plenty of hiding places. Highly benefits from hosting anemones such as Heteractis magnifica or Stichodactyla mertensii.

Diet and Feeding: Planktivorous. Feed a variety of small frozen foods like copepods, cyclops, daphnia, finely chopped mysis, and high-quality marine flakes or small pellets.

Water Quality: Demands high water quality with low nitrates. Keep temperature at 24-27°C (75-81°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Peaceful. Keep with other non-aggressive reef inhabitants. Avoid keeping with larger or more aggressive clownfish species like Tomato or Maroon clownfish.

Aquarium Reproduction: Possible. Spawns on flat surfaces at the base of the host anemone. Larvae are delicate and require live rotifers for successful rearing.

Risks and Diseases: Highly susceptible to Brooklynella hostilis and skin parasites. A strict quarantine protocol is vital to prevent outbreak and loss.