The Nosestripe Anemonefish, Nosestriped Anemonefish, Skunk Anemonefish, Skunk Clownfish, Skunk-striped Anemonefish, Skunk Striped Anemonefish, Western Skunk Anemonefish, Whitebacked Clownfish, scientifically known as Amphiprion akallopisos, is a captivating species of anemonefish. These vibrant fish are renowned for their striking appearance and symbiotic relationship with sea anemones.
Description & Characteristics
Amphiprion akallopisos is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 11.0 cm. Its most prominent feature is a distinctive black stripe that runs from its snout, through the eyes, and along the back of its body. The remaining body is a vibrant orange, creating a striking contrast. The fins are a translucent yellow, adding to the overall vividness of the fish.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Amphiprion akallopisos is commonly found in shallow reef environments, ranging in depth from 3.0 to 25.0 meters. It is typically found in association with anemones, specifically Stichodactyla tapetum and Entacmaea quadricolor, which provide shelter and protection from predators. These fish are known to inhabit the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Amphiprion akallopisos belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Ovalentaria incertae sedis, and Family: Pomacentridae. This classification places it among the perciform fishes, a diverse group that includes a vast array of marine species.
Feeding
The Amphiprion akallopisos is a carnivore with a diverse diet. Its feeding habits are predominantly based on zooplankton, including copepods, amphipods, and brine shrimp. They also consume a variety of small invertebrates, fish eggs, and fish larvae. In captivity, they are often fed a diet of flakes, pellets, frozen food, and live food, including brine shrimp nauplii, daphnia, mysis, and krill.
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