Animal Species:McCulloch's Anemonefish, Amphiprion mccullochi (Whitley, 1929)

McCulloch's Anemonefish is endemic to Australia, occurring in lagoon and inshore waters of Lord Howe Island, Middleton Reef and Elizabeth Reef, New South Wales. It is usually found associated with the anemones Entacmaea quadricolor and Heteractis crispa.

Identification

McCulloch's Anemonefish can be recognised by its colouration. It is dark brown to black with a whitish snout. The white bars on the cheek usually do not connect over the top of the head. The caudal peduncle and caudal fin are white.

The species was described based on specimens collected at Lord Howe Island. The specimens are stored in the Australian Museum Fish Collection (holotype - AMS IA.1962: paratypes - AMS I.5392, AMS I.5729–30, AMS IA.1963–67).

Size range

It grows to about 12 cm in length.

Distribution

The species is endemic to Australia, occurring in lagoon and inshore waters of Lord Howe Island, Middleton Reef and Elizabeth Reef, New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Amphiprion mccullochi

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of McCulloch's Anemonefish specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Habitat

It is usually found associated with the anemones Entacmaea quadricolor and Heteractis crispa at depths between 2 m and 45 m.

Classification

Species:
mccullochi
Genus:
Amphiprion
Family:
Pomacentridae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  • Whitley, G.P. 1929. Some fishes of the order Amphiprioniformes. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum. 9(3): 207-246.
  • Coleman, N. 1980. Australia Sea Fishes South of 30°S. Lane Cove, NSW: Doubleday Australia Pty. Ltd. Pp. 309.
  • Fautin D.G. & Allen. G.R. 1992. Anemone Fishes and their host Sea Anemones. A guide for aquarists and divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 160.


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Tags Animal, McCulloch's Anemonefish, Amphiprion mccullochi, Whitley, 1929, brown, black, white, 10 cm - 30 cm, stripes or bands, coral reef, marine,