The Clownfish: Pomacentridae amphiprion The Clownfish and the sea anemone have a symbiotic relationship. The clownfish attracts predators to the anemone in which it lives. The predator fish in turn become the prey of the anemone. After the anemone is finished, the clownfish claims the leftovers for itself. The clownfish also chases away certain fish that are harmful to the anemone, such as the butterfly fish. This fish preys on the anemone, biting off the ends of its tentacles. The most common anemone to act as host to the clownfish is the large stoichactis species. Through years of evolution, the clownfish has become immune to the poison of the anemone, by covering itself in a protective mucous. If the mucous is washed away, the clownfish will once again be vulnerable to the anemone's deadly sting.

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Clownfish belong to a group of small, brightly colored fish called damselfish. These inshore reef dwellers have developed a curious and potentially deadly relationship with the sea anemone.

Clownfish Statistics:

Size:                       2 - 5 inches
Lifespan:                3 - 5 years
Number of Young: Eggs laid in large Batches.
Mating Season:      Year Round in Tropical waters.
Diet:                       Leftovers from fish consumed by anemone; algae.
Distribution:           Species are found in the Red Sea, the Coral Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the tropical Pacific Ocean.
                             A. Percula is particularly common on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Habit:                    Usually lives in pairs with anemone.

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