Pink Skunk Clownfish - Georgia Aquarium

Physical Characteristics

An adult appears pink to orange in coloration. Its fins are either very light or transparent. A white stripe runs dorsally from its head to the caudal fin. A vertical stripe visually separates the head from the rest of its body.
Mouth adapted with pharyngeal teeth and with a shape ideal for suction feeding.
Individual may grow to 4 inches (10 cm) in length, though commonly reaches 1.8-2.2 inches (4.6-5.5 cm).
Mucus on its flesh protects it from stings by host anemone.

Diet consists of phytoplankton – including blue-green algae and diatoms – zooplankton and zoobenthos.
Feeds in the area surrounding its host anemone, as well as scraps uneaten by the anemone itself. It accomplishes this by using the method of “suction-feeding,” essentially vacuuming up around the anemone.

Occurs in the Indo-Pacific from the Great Barrier Reef through the Indo-Australian Archipelago and the Gulf of Thailand to the Eastern Indian Ocean.
Found in brackish marine water on lagoons and seaward reefs at depths ranging from 1-125 feet (1-38 m). Common depth does not exceed 13 feet (4 m).
Non-migratory – in fact, this clownfish rarely leaves area immediately surrounding its host anemone.

Individuals are born male. Largest of a group changes sex to female, second largest is dominant male.
While the species aggregates in groups, only one dominant pair will reproduce.
If the female of the monogamous mating pair dies, the largest male from the group will change gender to become a mating female. The second largest male then becomes the mating male.
In a year, a mating pair will produce 2000-4000 eggs.
Eggs, once hatched, leave host anemone and become planktonic.

Also known as the “pink anemonefish,” “salmon clownfish,” “white-maned anemonefish” and “whitebanded anemonefish.”
Active during the day (diurnal).
Primary predators include grouper. Anemone provides protection.