False Skunk-striped Anemonefish

About

The false skunk-striped anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) is a slender, pale-pink clownfish distinguished by a single white stripe running along the dorsal ridge from snout to tail, plus a narrow stripe just behind the head. A pattern that sets it apart from the bolder markings of more familiar clownfish species. Its range is impressively broad, stretching across the Western Pacific and into the eastern Indian Ocean, from the Gulf of Thailand down to the Great Barrier Reef and out as far as Samoa and Tonga. In the wild it's closely tied to host anemones, particularly Heteractis magnifica, and like all clownfish it's a protandrous hermaphrodite. The dominant fish in a pair will become female if needed. It's a genuinely peaceful community fish, though it will defend its anemone against other clownfish species, and it has a fascinating way of asserting itself: a rapid clicking produced by snapping its teeth and jaws, amplified to produce audible pops. Pairs form monogamous bonds and males take responsibility for guarding and aerating the eggs. This species has been bred in captivity successfully, which is always a good sign for long-term aquarium viability. A compatible host anemone isn't strictly required but is highly appreciated, and experienced reef keepers tend to get the best results with this one.