[2] Some anemonefish species have color variations based on geographic location, sex and host anemone.

[2] A. mccullochi is similar in appearance to A. melanopus which is distinguished by its reddish chest, belly and dorsal fin, with a yellowish to slightly red tail.

Historical hybridization and introgression in the evolutionary past resulted in a complex mitochondrial DNA structure.

Like corals, anemone's contain intracellular endosymbionts, zooxanthellae, and can suffer from bleaching due to triggers such as increased water temperature or acidification.

[10] The specific name honours Whitley's colleague, the Australian ichthyologist Allan Riverstone McCulloch (1885-1925) who collected the type specimen.