The Orange Skunk Clownfish (Amphiprion sandaracinos), also known as the Orange Anemonefish, is a species of anemonefish distinguished by its broad white stripe along the dorsal ridge.

Distribution and Habitat

The Orange Skunk Clownfish is found in the center of the Indo-Pacific area, known as the Coral Triangle, from the Philippines to Indonesia and New Guinea. It is also found in northwestern Australia, Christmas Island, Melanesia, and the Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan. It typically lives in small groups on outer reef slopes or in lagoons at a maximal depth of 20 meters.

Physical Description

The Orange Skunk Clownfish is one of the smaller anemonefish, growing up to 11 cm (4.3 in) as a female and 3 to 6.5 cm as a male. Its body has a stock appearance, oval shape, compressed laterally. Its coloration is bright orange with a white stripe on the dorsal ridge from the superior lip, passing between the eyes and ending at the caudal fin base. All the fins have the same coloration as the body except the dorsal fin which is partially white. Its iris is bright yellow.

Diet and Feeding

The Orange Skunk Clownfish is omnivorous and its diet is based on zooplankton, small benthic crustaceans, and algae. In captivity it accepts a varied diet including flakes, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and pellets.

Behavior and Reproduction

Like all anemonefishes it forms a symbiotic mutualism with sea anemones. It is a sequential hermaphrodite with a strict size-based dominance hierarchy. It is a specialist, being hosted primarily by Mertens’ carpet sea anemone.

Aquarium Care

This species is peaceful and can be kept with a variety of tankmates. It requires a tank of at least 20 gallons with abundant live rock. It is considered reef-safe. It has been bred in captivity.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.