Phylum
Chordata
Family
Pomacentridae
Class
Actinopterygii
Genus
Amphiprion
Order
Perciformes
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Size
6-11 cm, 0.02-0.1 kg
Coloration
Orange with white stripes, black outlines
Adaptations
Symbiosis with anemones; mucus protects from stings
Habitat
Coral reefs, coastal waters
Diet
Omnivorous
Algae, plankton, small invertebrates
Geographic Range
East African coast, Indo-Pacific
Reproduction
Eggs on substrate; males guard
Threats
Coral bleaching, aquarium trade
Interesting Facts
Anemone Allies: Clownfish live among stinging anemones, coated in mucus that shields them from toxins, a partnership that protects them from predators while they feed the anemone scraps. This symbiosis is a delicate dance of mutual benefit, immortalized by "Finding Nemo".
Gender Benders: They're sequential hermaphrodites, with dominant males turning female if the matriarch dies, a fluid switch that keeps breeding pairs intact in small colonies. This adaptability ensures their reef homes stay populated despite losses.
Best Places to Sight
Mnemba Atoll, Tanzania
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Aliwal Shoal, South Africa