Clownfish (sometimes known as anemone fish) are related to
damselfish but are noted for being brightly coloured with contrasting bands
across the body. The name comes from the resemblance to a clown’s facial
make-up.
They are found on coral reefs in the Indian and Western
Pacific Oceans.
Apart from their appearance (which makes them popular as
aquarium fish) their most remarkable feature is the symbiotic relationship they
have with venomous sea anemones that feed on fish of other species.
The clownfish has mucus on its skin that makes it immune to
the sting of the sea anemone which means that it can hide among the tentacles
of the many anemones that populate coral reefs. In turn, the clownfish’s bright
colours attract other fish that then become prey for the anemones.
© John Welford
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