Finding Clownfish: Pomacentridae (Subfamily: Amphiprioninae)
Clownfish are now amongst the most well known fish in the world, thanks to a certain cartoon character. They are also known as Anemonefish, as they use the stinging tentacles of the sea anemone as protection from predators. Clownfish are to be found in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, and have a symbiotic relationship with certain species of sea anemone. A symbiotic relationship is one that has advantages for both creatures.
Safe amongst the stings:
Clownfish have evolved a relationship with anemones that allows them to live safely among the poisonous stings of the anemone. No one is quite sure how the anemone knows not to sting the Clownfish, but there are many theories; one theory is that the mucous covering the clownfish is made of sugars, rather than proteins, so that the anemone doesn’t recognize the fish as food.
