ORA McCullochi Clownfish

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Easy
• Diet: Omnivore
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive/Aggressive
• Reef-Safe: Yes
• Source: Captive Bred
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1.25-1.5"
• Approximate Max Size: 4.5"
• Recommended Tank Size: 40 Gallons or Larger

Overview

This fish is shipped directly to you with exceptional care and high-grade packaging specifically made for live animals from our partner, ORA. This animal is certified by the Mr. Chili Sustainability Alliance, meaning it is sustainably bred, was raised with exceptional husbandry practices, and 2% of net proceeds will be donated to support Ocean Conservation. 

The McCullochi Clownfish (Amphiprion mccullochi) is native to Lord Howe Island off the coast of Australia. Its tiny natural range is closed to fishing making it one of the rarest Clownfish in the aquarium hobby. It is typically dark brown to black in color with a white tail and single white head bar. Juveniles tend to be more brown in coloration and have three bars. They are similar in size to other fish in the Tomato Complex but tend to be more aggressive.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The fish you receive may vary slightly in appearance.

Aquarium Requirements

Aquarium Size

More space is always beneficial, but a minimum tank size of 40 gallons is recommended for a McCullochi Clownfish (single or pair). If you plan to add other tankmates, consider a larger aquarium to provide adequate space and reduce territorial behavior. A larger tank also offers more stability in water parameters, which is beneficial for all inhabitants.

Habitat Recommendations

McCullochi Clownfish are relatively adaptable but thrive best in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Here’s how to set up their ideal home:

• Aquascaping: Incorporate plenty of live rock formations to create hiding spots and territory boundaries. This not only provides security for the clownfish but also promotes beneficial biological filtration.
• Substrate: Use sand or fine gravel as the substrate. These materials are easy to clean and provide a natural look.
• Anemones: While not necessary, adding an anemone is enjoyable to watch! The Bubble Tip Anemone is a popular choice that can act as a host for your clownfish. Please do not add an anemone to your aquarium without understanding their unique lighting, dietary, habitat, and water parameter requirements.

Water Parameters

Maintaining proper water parameters is crucial for the health and well-being of your McCullochi Clownfish. While these hardy fish are known for their adaptability to a wide range of conditions, providing a stable environment will allow them to thrive and stay healthy.

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 75-78°F. Stability is key, so use a reliable heater that can limit any temperature swings to about +/- 1°F or less.
• pH Level: Clownfish will typically do well in a wide pH range from about 7.7 to 8.5.
• Salinity: The specific gravity should be between 1.020-1.026 (27-35ppt). Use a refractometer to monitor salinity levels accurately.
• Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Ammonia and nitrite levels should be undetectable, while nitrate levels should be kept below 20 ppm. Regular water changes and proper filtration will help to achieve this.
• Water Flow: Moderate water movement is ideal. This is most often achieved by using powerheads in the aquarium to move water around. Adequate water flow helps push uneaten food and fish waste into your filtration and also keeps the water oxygenated.

Diet

Clownfish are Omnivores, meaning they eat both meaty and plant-based foods. Offering both will give your new fish the nutrition it needs to not only survive, but thrive in your aquarium. McCullochi Clownfish aren't typically picky eaters and will accept food in a variety of forms. 

Primary Diet

• Frozen Food: Mysis Shrimp or other marine-specific frozen foods can provide a quality diet, but with less risk of overfeeding vs pellet or flake foods. 
• Pellet Food: High-Quality neutrally buoyant pellets are a great option, especially for clownfish that prefer to feed in the water column, rather than at the water surface. Pellet foods are typically very nutrient dense, so care should be taken to avoid overfeeding the aquarium, which can contribute to poor water quality. Many aquarists will feed herbivore specific pellets like Hikari Seaweed Extreme in conjunction with a meaty frozen food for a complete diet.
• Flake Food: Flake food isn't as popular of a choice among saltwater aquarists, but if you opt for a flake food, be sure to choose a marine-specific option that's formulated to meet the needs of saltwater fish.

Feeding Frequency

Feed your McCullochi Clownfish small portions 2-3 times daily. This frequent feeding schedule helps maintain stable energy levels. Ensure each portion is small enough for them to consume within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. Your Clownfish will probably always look hungry, so it can be hard to stop yourself from adding more food to the tank.

Compatibility

When it comes to tank mates, McCullochi Clownfish are semi-aggressive and even aggressive at times. However, they can still coexist harmoniously with a variety of other marine species.

Common Tank Mates

McCullochi Clownfish can be kept with a wide range of peaceful and semi-aggressive marine species. Here are some ideal tank mates:

• Fish: Wrasse, Tangs, Rabbitfish, Butterflyfish, Dwarf Angelfish, and other larger semi-aggressive fish.
• Invertebrates: Clownfish won't bother most invertebrates, so Cleaner Shrimp, Hermit Crabs, Snails, Urchins, and more are all safe to keep with clownfish
• Coral: Clownfish are considered Reef Safe and can be kept with Soft, LPS, or SPS coral. Clownfish will often pick coral as their host if an anemone is not available, which can sometimes cause mild irritation to the coral.

Behavioral Notes

McCullochi Clownfish, especially when kept in pairs, exhibit territorial behavior and tend to be more aggressive vs the more common Ocellaris and Percula clownfish. This aggression will typically become more pronounced with age. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Territoriality: McCullochi Clownfish will become territorial, particularly if they are protecting a specific area or an anemone. This behavior is more pronounced in smaller tanks.
• Pair Dynamics: A pair of clownfish often establishes a hierarchy, with one dominant individual (usually the larger female) and a subordinate (smaller male). They will defend their chosen territory together, but their aggression is typically limited to their immediate surroundings.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation instructions are included in each box, but if you misplaced yours or want to know what to expect ahead of time, you can always find an extra copy here: Fish Acclimation Instructions