
Amphiprion sandaracinos
Family: Pomacentridae ยท Clownfish
Also known as: Orange Anemonefish, Orange Skunk Anemonefish
The Orange Skunk Clownfish is a graceful and beautifully colored anemonefish found throughout the Western Pacific, from Indonesia and the Philippines to Papua New Guinea and Micronesia. Its entire body is a uniform bright orange, adorned with a single narrow white dorsal stripe that runs from the tip of the snout along the full length of the back to the base of the tail. Unlike most other clownfish species, it lacks vertical body bars, giving it a clean, streamlined appearance that is instantly recognizable. The vivid orange coloration practically glows under aquarium lighting, making it one of the most visually striking small reef fish available.
In the wild, the Orange Skunk Clownfish hosts primarily with Mertens' Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla mertensii), though it also associates with other large anemone species. It is typically found on reef slopes at moderate depths, living in small social groups within the protective tentacles of its host. The Orange Skunk Clownfish is notably gentler than most clownfish species, exhibiting a peaceful and somewhat shy disposition that makes it one of the least aggressive anemonefishes available.
The Orange Skunk Clownfish is an excellent choice for reef aquariums where a peaceful, vibrantly colored clownfish is desired. It is hardy, easy to feed, and adapts well to captivity. Its gentle temperament means it can be housed with other small, peaceful species without concern for bullying. While it appreciates a host anemone, it will thrive without one, often adopting corals or other tank features as substitute hosts. Its small maximum size of five inches and modest tank requirements make it accessible for aquarists with medium-sized setups.
The Orange Skunk Clownfish is an omnivore that readily accepts all prepared aquarium foods including marine pellets, flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Include both meaty and algae-based foods for balanced nutrition. Vitamin-enriched preparations help maintain the species' vibrant orange coloration. Feed two to three times daily in small portions.
The Orange Skunk Clownfish is one of the most peaceful clownfish species available, making it compatible with a wide range of gentle community reef fish including gobies, cardinalfish, firefish, small wrasses, and other peaceful species. Should not be kept with more aggressive clownfish species that may bully it. It is gentle enough to coexist with delicate fish that might be harassed by more assertive clownfish. Completely reef-safe with all corals and invertebrates.
Check CompatibilityThe Orange Skunk Clownfish breeds readily in captivity. Mated pairs spawn on flat surfaces, with the male guarding the eggs until hatching in 8-10 days. Clutches typically contain 300-700 eggs. Larvae require rotifers and phytoplankton as first foods, transitioning to baby brine shrimp after about one week. Captive-bred specimens are widely available in the aquarium trade.