Clownfish
Found only in tropical waters, Clownfish are formally known as anemone fish, due to their very unique symbiosis with sea anemone, where the clownfish have become immune to the sting of the anemone's stinging arms, and therefore is given a safe haven from predators for themselves and their eggs.
There, they often live in twos, pairing for life with just one mate. The most common Clownfish is the Two Stripe Clownfish; with other common species being the Tomato clownfish; the Maldives Clownfish; and the Clark's Clownfish.
Encounters:
Frequently found living in sea anemones, Clownfish of all kinds are commonly seen on tropical scuba dive trips. Upon seeing their reflection in a diver's mask can induce a frantic defense behavior, with the Clownfish nipping and attacking divers fingers if they go too close.
Scientific Name:
Amphiprion Bicinctus
Diet:
Benthic Algae and Zooplankton
Facts:
popular as aquarium fish because of the ease in which they adapt to aquarium life;
clownfish always begin their life as males, and change to females when ratio of females drops;
this sex reversal takes between 26 and 145 days to complete;
skin is protected with a thick layer of mucus;
external fertilizers of eggs, they are laid on edge of anemone for protection
Research and Conservation Agencies:
Not listed on IUCN List yet, as it is not threatened
California Academy Of Sciences
http://www.calacademy.org/science_now/archive/wild_lives/clownfish.html
Photo credit: Dylan Ong