Clownfish | National Geographic
Maybe your like
Anyone with kids and a DVD player probably thinks they know all there is to know about the clownfish, also called the clown anemonefish. What they may not know is that the heroes of Finding Nemo are actually called false anemonefish. True anemonefish, Amphiprion percula, are nearly identical, but have subtle differences in shape and live in different habitats.
Characteristics
Bright orange with three distinctive white bars, clown anemonefish are among the most recognizable of all reef-dwellers. They reach about 4.3 inches in length, and are named for the multicolored sea anemone in which they make their homes.
Relationship with Anemones
Clownfish perform an elaborate dance with an anemone before taking up residence, gently touching its tentacles with different parts of their bodies until they are acclimated to their host. A layer of mucus on the clownfish's skin makes it immune to the fish-eating anemone's lethal sting. In exchange for safety from predators and food scraps, the clownfish drives off intruders and preens its host, removing parasites.
Population Range
There are at least 30 known species of clownfish, most of which live in the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the western Pacific. They are not found in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Atlantic Ocean.
Changing Sex
Surprisingly, all clownfish are born male. They have the ability to switch their sex, but will do so only to become the dominant female of a group. The change is irreversible.
Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.1 / 111 / 11This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community.This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at @natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.com/yourshot for the latest submissions and news about the community.Photograph by Gina Michels, National Geographic Your Shot Tag » How Big Do Clownfish Get
-
Clownfish Facts - Great Barrier Reef Foundation
-
How Big Do Clownfish Get? (Plus Size Info For Different Varieties)
-
Ocellaris Clownfish Care: Size, Lifespan, Cost & Compatibility
-
Facts About Clownfish | Live Science
-
How Fast Do Clownfish Grow? - Reef Craze
-
How Big Do Clownfish Get? Size Comparison On Each Species.
-
How Fast Do Clownfish Grow? (Surprising Answer) - Fish Tank Report
-
Clownfish Care, Size, Life Span, Tank Mates, Breeding
-
8 Popular Types Of Clownfish (Clownfish Species Guide)
-
Ocellaris Clownfish - Wikipedia
-
Percula Clownfish - The Dallas World Aquarium
-
How Big Is A Clownfish? - The Ultimate Guide To Clownfish
-
How Big Do Clownfish Grow? - Beginners Discussion - Nano
-
Clownfish (Nemo) Care Guide & Species Profile - Fishkeeping World