Their Skin Is Covered in a Coating of Slime Or Mucus Similar to That Found on the Anemone

Clownfish

Clownfish are found in tropical marine waters throughout the world. They are home- loving creatures and live amongst the tentacles of sea anemones in the shallow waters of coral reefs. They are the only fish that appear to be immune to the stings of the anemone.

Their skin is covered in a coating of slime or mucus – similar to that found on the anemone itself – which tricks the anemone into thinking the fish is just another part of itself! The relationship that Clownfish enjoy with their home anemone is symbiotic, which means it benefits them both. The clown fish seeks shelter within the anemone whilst keeping the anemone in good health by feeding off parasites and removing any dead tentacles.

Clownfish are very territorial and live in groups that protect their own anemone from the unwanted attentions of other Clownfish. They can grow up 13cm in length, are usually covered in bold zones of colour and feed mainly on algae, crustaceans and molluscs.

In a group of Clownfish inhabiting an anemone at any given time, the largest Clownfish is always a female. The smaller fish are male. When the female dies, the largest male will change sex to take over the female’s role! Most clownfish will only ever venture as far as two to four inches from their sea anemone - unlike their celebrity counterpart in Finding Nemo.