McCulloch's Clownfish

McCulloch's Clownfish is one of the rarest and most sought-after clownfish species in the world, found only at Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island off the east coast of Australia. Its extremely limited geographic range and the protected status of its habitat make it one of the most exclusive anemonefish available. The body is predominantly dark brown to black, with a single bold white vertical bar behind the eye and a contrasting white snout and lower face. This understated but elegant color pattern, combined with its rarity, has made McCulloch's Clownfish a holy grail species for dedicated clownfish enthusiasts.

In the wild, McCulloch's Clownfish inhabits the subtropical reef environment of Lord Howe Island, which lies at the southernmost limit of coral reef formation in the world. It hosts exclusively with Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor) in relatively shallow waters. The species' restricted range means it has evolved to tolerate cooler water temperatures than most tropical clownfish, thriving in waters that can drop to the low 70s Fahrenheit during the Australian winter months. Wild populations are protected by strict Australian environmental regulations.

McCulloch's Clownfish requires intermediate-level care due to its relative rarity and the importance of maintaining proper conditions. It is hardy once established but can be initially sensitive to shipping stress. Captive-bred specimens are available from select Australian breeders and are strongly recommended over wild-caught fish. It is semi-aggressive, particularly toward other clownfish, and requires stable water conditions to thrive long-term.