The colorful clown anemonefish, also called a clownfish, is bright orange with three white stripes—and probably reminds you of the star of the popular movie <i>Finding Nemo</i>.
The colorful clown anemonefish, also called a clownfish, is bright orange with three white stripes—and probably reminds you of the star of the popular movie Finding Nemo.
Photograph by Tim Laman

Clown Anemonefish

This 4-inch-long (10-centimeter-long) fish shares an amazing partnership with another sea creature: the anemone (pronounced: uh-NEM-uh-NEE). The partnership benefits both participants, and the close relationship led to the fish being named an anemonefish.

Common Name:
Clownfish
Scientific Name:
Amphiprioninae
Type:
Fish
Diet:
Carnivore
Group Name:
School
Average Life Span In The Wild:
6 to 10 years
Size:
4.3 inches

Anemones have tentacles that sting, but the clownfish isn't bothered by them. In fact, it lives among the tentacles.

Living among the tentacles of the anemone, the clown anemonefish gains protection from predators—which don't dare get near the stinging protector. The anemonefish also gets to eat leftovers from the anemone's meals. The anemone benefits from having the fish around, too. The useful fish nibbles away parasites that bug the anemone. And sometimes the anemonefish brings food into the tentacles which the anemone can also eat. Generally several anemonefish make one host anemone their home.

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