Pink Skunk Clownfish

Pink Skunk Clownfish Care Guide for Reef Aquariums

The Pink Skunk Clownfish is a peaceful, underrated clownfish species that makes a fantastic addition to many saltwater aquariums. With its soft peach body, white dorsal stripe, and gentle personality, it’s a great option for hobbyists who want something a bit different from the common Ocellaris or Percula.

Pink Skunk Clownfish Overview

The Pink Skunk Clownfish (Amphiprion perideraion) is a smaller, more timid clownfish species found throughout the Indo-Pacific. In captivity, they usually grow to about 3–4 inches and can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small harems in larger tanks.

  • Scientific name: Amphiprion perideraion
  • Adult size: 3–4 inches
  • Temperament: Peaceful to semi-peaceful
  • Minimum tank size: 20–30 gallons for a pair
  • Reef safe: Yes

Pink Skunk Clownfish are naturally shy at first, but once settled, they become active, engaging fish that interact well with their surroundings.

Tank Requirements & Care

Pink Skunk Clownfish are hardy and adaptable, but they do best in a stable, mature saltwater system. They don’t require a host anemone, though they may adopt soft corals or rock structures as their territory.

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 specific gravity
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: < 10–20 ppm

Diet and Feeding

In the aquarium, Pink Skunk Clownfish accept a wide range of foods. A varied diet helps maintain vibrant color and long-term health.

  • High-quality marine pellets or flakes designed for omnivores
  • Frozen foods such as mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood
  • Occasional enriched brine shrimp as a treat

Feed small portions 1–2 times per day, ensuring all food is consumed within a few minutes.

Tankmates, Anemones & Breeding Behavior

Because Pink Skunk Clownfish are more timid than many other clownfish, they pair best with peaceful tankmates. Avoid aggressive species that may outcompete or bully them.

Good Tankmates

  • Small reef-safe wrasses
  • Gobies and blennies
  • Chromis and other peaceful schooling fish
  • Cleaner shrimp and other non-aggressive invertebrates

They naturally associate with certain anemones in the wild, such as Heteractis crispa and Entacmaea quadricolor. However, keeping anemones requires strong lighting and stable conditions, so many aquarists instead provide soft corals or large fleshy LPS for shelter.

Like other clownfish, Pink Skunks are protandrous hermaphrodites: the dominant individual becomes female, while the others remain male. In a stable pair, you may observe courtship and spawning behavior on flat rock surfaces.

Quick Tips for Success

  • Choose captive-bred Pink Skunk Clownfish whenever possible for better hardiness.
  • Provide plenty of rockwork and hiding places to reduce stress.
  • Introduce them before more assertive species in community tanks.
  • Keep water parameters stable rather than chasing “perfect” numbers.

If you’re planning a peaceful reef setup, the Pink Skunk Clownfish is a rewarding, low-maintenance choice. For more stocking ideas and compatibility tips, explore our guides to Ocellaris Clownfish care and reef-safe fish for community aquariums. You can also check our beginner reef tank guide to build a solid foundation before adding your first clownfish.