Amphiprion mccullochi – Whitesnout Anemonefish
Amphiprion mccullochi was first described by Gilbert Percy Whitley in 1929. This fish belongs to the family Pomacentridae, which is also known as the family of Damselfishes. The genus Amphiprion, to which Amphiprion mccullochi belongs, contains about 30 species.
The species name Amphiprion is derived from the Greek ‘amphi’ meaning ‘on both sides’ and ‘prion’ meaning ‘saw’, referring to the saw-toothed structure of the gill covers. The species name mccullochi honours Allan Riverstone McCulloch, a former curator of fishes at the Australian Museum in Sydney.
Description
Amphiprion mccullochi is a dark brown fish with a pale snout and a white tail. Adults have a white stripe on each side of their head, which is not connected on top of the head. Juveniles have two white stripes and yellow edges on their pectoral fins. They reach a maximum length of 12 centimeters.
Differences between males and females:
Amphiprion mccullochi is a protandrous hermaphrodite, meaning they start out as males and the dominant individual in a pair changes into a female. There are no specific physical differences between males and females, except that females tend to be larger.
Behavior and temperament:
This species lives in small “family groups” and forms strong pair bonds between the dominant male and female. They are generally not aggressive but can be territorial, especially during the breeding season. They live in symbiosis with Entacmaea quadricolor and are not shy.
Life expectancy:
In the wild they can live up to 22 years.
Protandrous Hermaphrodism in Amphiprion mccullochi
Protandrous Hermaphrodite:
Amphiprion mccullochi, also known as Whitesnout Anemonefish, is a protandrous hermaphrodite. This means the fish start life as males and can later change into females, depending on social hierarchy and circumstances.
Behavioral and Social Structure:
A typical social group of Amphiprion mccullochi has a strict hierarchy based on size. The largest fish in the group is the dominant female, while the second largest fish is the dominant male. The remaining fish in the group are immature males or juveniles. If the dominant female dies, the dominant male will change into a female, and the largest of the immature males will become the new dominant male.
Advantages of Protandric Hermaphroditism:
This form of hermaphroditism offers several advantages:
- Flexibility in Reproduction: It allows the fish to respond quickly to changes in group dynamics and maximize reproductive opportunities.
- Limited Competition: The strict hierarchy and the ability to change gender minimize competition within the group, which promotes group stability.
- Genetic Diversity: It helps maintain genetic diversity within the population, which is important for long-term survival.
Physiological Changes:
The transformation from male to female involves significant physiological changes, including changes in hormonal levels and the development of female reproductive organs. These changes are triggered by the absence of a dominant female and the presence of social cues within the group.
The protandrous hermaphroditism of Amphiprion mccullochi is a fascinating example of how these fish have adapted to their environment and social structures to maximize their reproductive success. It provides a flexible and efficient way to respond to changes within the group and contributes to the stability and genetic diversity of the population.
Biotope
Amphiprion mccullochi is found in subtropical waters around Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. They live in lagoons and coral reefs, often near their host anemone, Entacmaea quadricolor. Their natural habitat is coral reefs with a rocky bottom. They have no specific natural predators but live in symbiosis with anemones that protect them from predators.
Diet
In the wild:
Amphiprion mccullochi feeds on a variety of small invertebrates and plankton.
In the aquarium:
They can be fed a diet of frozen mysis, brine shrimp, flake food and high-quality pellets. It is important to provide a varied diet to ensure their health.
Reefsafe?
Yes, Amphiprion mccullochi is reefsafe and does not eat coral or polyps.
The Aquarium
Aquarium size:
A minimum 700 liter/200-gallon aquarium is recommended for keeping Amphiprion mccullochi. For multiple pairs, a larger aquarium is needed to prevent territorial conflicts.
Decoration:
The aquarium should be decorated with coral and rocks to mimic a natural environment. Use fine sand as a substrate.
Water parameters:
The best water parameters for this species are a temperature of 23-27°C, a salinity of 35 ppt, and a pH of 8.1-8.4.
Introduction to the aquarium:
It is best to introduce this species into a well-matured aquarium to ensure algae and bacteria growth.
Compatibility:
Amphiprion mccullochi can live well with other peaceful reef fish.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
Amphiprion mccullochi has successfully bred in a dedicated breeding tank. The breeding tank should be at least 150 liters/40 gallons, with stable water quality and good lighting. The fish were conditioned on a diet of enriched frozen mysis, brine shrimp, flake food and high-quality pellets. The male and female were separated temporarily to reduce aggression and then reintroduced to breed.
The spawn
During spawning the colors of the fish become more intense. The male chooses a nesting place close to the anemone and cleans it. The eggs are laid in the morning on a clean surface next to the anemone. The eggs are orange-red and become transparent after 7-8 days with black and silver eyes. About 100-200 eggs are laid at a time.
Raising the fry
The eggs hatch after 9-12 days. The larvae begin to swim freely after 19-24 days and change from transparent to black with three white vertical stripes. Both parents care for the eggs and protect the fry from predators. The fry are fed small planktonic organisms such as rotifers and artemia nauplii. Water changes of 25% per week are recommended to maintain water quality.
Particularities
Amphiprion mccullochi is one of the rarest clownfish in the aquarium trade due to their restricted range and protected status. They are endemic to Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island, and their populations are small and vulnerable. They have a high genetic diversity, which increases their chances of survival despite their restricted distribution.
Conclusion
Amphiprion mccullochi is a fascinating and rare clownfish suitable for advanced aquarists. They require a large, well-established aquarium with stable water parameters. Their symbiotic relationship with anemones and territorial behavior make them interesting to observe. Although they can be challenging to breed, they offer a unique and rewarding experience for dedicated aquarists.
Video
Author
John de Lange
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