Amphiprion sandaracinos (Orange Skunk Clownfish)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes
• Minimum tank size: 100L+ (preferably 150L+ for pairs or anemone hosting)
• Adult size: ~11 cm (4.5 inches)
• Diet: Omnivorous (marine pellets, flakes, frozen mysis/brine shrimp, and algae-based foods)
• Be aware of: One of the more peaceful clownfish species. Best kept in pairs or small groups in large tanks. May be timid around more aggressive fish.
Orange Skunk Clownfish (Amphiprion sandaracinos) – A Peaceful and Elegant Clownfish
The Orange Skunk Clownfish is a beautiful and delicate species that stands out due to its soft orange coloration and a single white stripe running along its back. Unlike more aggressive clownfish species like Maroon or Clarkii Clownfish, the Orange Skunk Clownfish is gentle, social, and prefers the safety of a group. It is an ideal choice for peaceful reef tanks, especially for aquarists looking for a less dominant clownfish species.
Appearance and Coloration
The Orange Skunk Clownfish has a simple yet striking appearance:
• A uniform orange to peach-colored body, lighter than other clownfish species.
• A thin, continuous white stripe that runs from the snout to the dorsal fin and down to the tail, creating a sleek “skunk” pattern.
• No vertical bands like traditional clownfish, giving it a more streamlined and elegant look.
• Females are larger than males, as clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites (starting as males and transitioning to females if needed).
This species is often mistaken for its close relative, the Pink Skunk Clownfish (Amphiprion perideraion), which has an additional white stripe behind the eyes.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Orange Skunk Clownfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef. In the wild, they:
• Live in symbiosis with anemones, preferring Magnificent Sea Anemones (Heteractis magnifica) and Sebae Anemones (Heteractis crispa).
• Are social and peaceful, often living in small groups within a single anemone.
• Stay close to their host anemone, rarely venturing far from their protective home.
In captivity, they do not require an anemone, but they will often seek shelter among corals, rockwork, or artificial decorations.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
The Orange Skunk Clownfish is easy to care for, but it prefers a peaceful environment with stable water conditions.
• Minimum tank size: 100L+ (150L+ recommended for pairs or anemone hosting)
• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025
• Water movement: Moderate (gentle flow preferred, as they are not strong swimmers)
• Filtration: Good-quality filtration and regular water changes to maintain stable water parameters
Providing plenty of rock structures for hiding places will help them feel secure, especially if they do not have an anemone to host.
Diet and Feeding
Orange Skunk Clownfish are omnivores, needing a balanced diet for health and color vibrancy.
Recommended foods include:
• High-quality marine pellets and flakes – Provides essential nutrients.
• Frozen mysis and brine shrimp – Adds variety and protein.
• Chopped seafood (shrimp, squid, or fish) – Occasional treats.
• Algae-based foods or spirulina – Supports digestion and immune function.
Feed 1-2 times per day, ensuring portions are small enough to prevent overfeeding and waste buildup.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
Orange Skunk Clownfish are one of the least aggressive clownfish, making them ideal for community reef tanks. However, their timid nature means they should not be housed with overly aggressive species.
Best tank mates include:
✔ Peaceful tank mates such as Gobies, Blennies, Firefish, and Fairy Wrasses.
✔ Other peaceful clownfish varieties, if housed in a very large tank with enough space.
✔ Reef-safe invertebrates such as shrimp, snails, and small crabs.
Avoid housing with:
❌ More aggressive clownfish species (e.g., Maroon, Clarkii, or Tomato Clownfish), as they may bully Orange Skunks.
❌ Large, aggressive fish (e.g., Triggerfish, aggressive Dottybacks) that may stress them out.
❌ Fast-moving or boisterous species that could outcompete them for food.
If keeping a pair or small group, introduce them at the same time to prevent disputes.
Hosting Anemones
Orange Skunk Clownfish prefer anemones with long tentacles, such as:
• Magnificent Anemone (Heteractis magnifica)
• Sebae Anemone (Heteractis crispa)
• Long Tentacle Anemone (Macrodactyla doreensis)
⚠ Important Notes:
• Anemones require strong lighting (LEDs, metal halides, or T5s) and stable water conditions.
• Clownfish do not need an anemone to thrive.
• Anemones should only be kept by experienced aquarists.
Health and Disease Considerations
Orange Skunk Clownfish are very hardy, but they can be susceptible to common marine diseases:
• Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) – Stress can trigger outbreaks. Quarantining new fish before introduction is recommended.
• Brooklynella (Clownfish Disease) – A parasite that causes heavy mucus production and difficulty breathing.
• Bacterial infections – Often caused by poor water quality or physical injuries.
To maintain their health:
✔ Provide a varied diet rich in vitamins and marine algae.
✔ Ensure stable water parameters with regular maintenance.
✔ Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank.
Lifespan and Long-Term Care
With proper care, Orange Skunk Clownfish can live up to 10-15 years in captivity. Their peaceful nature, long lifespan, and unique coloration make them a great choice for aquarists looking for a gentle and elegant clownfish species.
Why Choose an Orange Skunk Clownfish?
✔ Soft orange coloration with a sleek white “skunk” stripe – Unique among clownfish.
✔ More social and less aggressive than most clownfish – Ideal for peaceful tanks.
✔ Can live long lives, up to 15 years in captivity.
✔ Will host anemones if available, but does not require one.
✔ Hardy and adaptable, making them great for beginners and advanced aquarists alike.
⚠ Important Considerations Before Buying an Orange Skunk Clownfish:
🚫 Can be timid – Best kept with peaceful tank mates.
🚫 Needs plenty of hiding spaces – Provides security and reduces stress.
🚫 Not as bold as other clownfish – May get outcompeted for food in aggressive tanks.