Send in the Clowns..
Clownfish, also known as anemonefish, are colorful, tropical members of the damselfish family. Clownfish have an obligatory symbiotic relationship with sea anemones; they can survive and reproduce only when living under the protection of their host anemone. Clownfish gain “immunity” to an anemone’s powerful sting, by gradually exposing more of their bodies to the tentacles, until they have acquired a protective coating of the anemone’s own mucous. (Click to launch larger images.)
Palawan, Philippines – South China Sea
Unusual chocolate brown clownfish –
South China Sea
– Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands
I love hunting for ‘clowns’ – they are so colorful, playful, and always darting in and out of their anemone home.
Here are some interesting facts about these little gems of the sea:
Only 10 anemone species coexist with the 26 species of tropical clownfish. Only select pairs of anemone and clownfish are compatible. Together, they have obligatory symbiosis – each is highly dependent on the other for survival. In return for a safe and protective home, the clownfish cleans the anemone, provides nutrients in the form of waste, and scares away predatory fish.
