Clown fish (Amphiprionine) is a type of small fish that lives side by side with sea anemones. This fish is part of the species Amphiprion ocellaris who comes from the family Pomacentridae with genus Amphiprion. Even though they are famous for having orange bodies with white stripes, clownfish have many color variations in their subfamily.
Apart from that, clownfish have a small body shape, only about 7-8 cm long. However, they are very friendly with sea anemones which have poisonous stings. With its life in warm waters, such as the Red Sea and Pacific Ocean, let’s get to know some of the unique facts about clownfish below.
1. All clownfish are born males
clownfish (pixabay.com/Eychenne)
One of the interesting facts about clownfish is that when they hatch from each egg, they are all male. However, what if the male wants to become a female? AZ Animal reviewed that from the group (clownfish) that had just laid eggs, the largest fish would be the dominant female. Then, the second largest fish will become the dominant male.
If the dominant female dies in a group of fish, the dominant male will change sex to become the dominant female. Because clownfish live in groups, they follow a dominance hierarchy, meaning they develop a ranking system among social groups.
2. The common clownfish produces hundreds of eggs
clownfish (pixabay.com/Tracey)
A dominant female clownfish can produce between 100 and 1,000 eggs. Although the average number of eggs it produces is only around 600. Reported AZ Animals, after the eggs are laid, the female will swim away leaving the dominant male to incubate the eggs. If there are infertile or damaged eggs, the male will eat them.
So, after all the eggs hatch, the young clownfish are not raised or live with their mother. Instead, they are simply released to begin their own journey in life.
3. Clownfish form a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones
clownfish (pixabay.com/Chung Jin Mac)
Apart from living side by side with sea anemones, clownfish also form a symbiotic relationship with them. Sea anemones and clownfish form this relationship because they both provide mutual benefits. For example, clownfish help sea anemones rid themselves of parasites and provide food for them. In return, sea anemones provide clownfish with protection from predators. This is because sea anemones have poisonous tentacles which they use to attack and prey on other fish, except clownfish.
However, why do clownfish seem immune to the sea anemone’s poisonous tentacles? As reported Cool Kid Facts, clownfish have a thick layer of mucus on their skin that protects them from sea anemones. Some studies believe that this slime layer is composed of sugar and not protein, which means the anemones do not consider clownfish as a food source.
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4. Clownfish are known to be aggressive and territorial
clownfish (pixabay.com/Kaytspace)
Rather than appearing as cute little fish, clownfish are aggressive, defensive, and territorial. It is very likely that this aggressive behavior comes from the protection provided by the sea anemone. If another creature passes nearby, the clownfish will attack and chase it until it leaves.
Not only that, they often get involved in conflicts with each other. The male will make a ticking sound with his teeth aligned in his throat. If they are not aggressive, they will only make a pulsing sound. This behavior is what led to them being given the name clownfish because of their erratic swimming in defense and sound, which often looks ridiculous.
5. Clownfish are omnivores
ikan badut (pixabay.com/Sarah Peets)
As an omnivorous animal, the clownfish’s diet consists of both plant and animal food sources. They usually eat algae, plankton, fish eggs, small crustaceans, and mollusks. However, their diet depends on the species and also the available food sources.
More than that, as reported Facts.Net, many clownfish wait for sea anemones to attack their prey. After the sea anemone has finished eating, the clownfish will eat the remaining food.
6. Clownfish are popular pets
clownfish (pixabay.com/Kanenori)
You may be familiar with children’s films, Finding Nemo played by a clownfish who was separated from his father. This film has a big impact on the global marine ornamental fish trade. Audience Finding Nemo fell in love with this fish and was interested in keeping it in an aquarium. Some clownfish adapt better to captivity or aquariums than others. There are also some species that should not be placed in aquariums. Because keeping these fish is not an easy thing.
Facts.Net reviews that creating the perfect environment for clownfish in a home aquarium can be very difficult. Evidence shows that clownfish can only live for five years in an aquarium, whereas in the wild they can live up to ten years.
It cannot be denied that clown fish are the most famous fish in the ocean due to the influence of pop culture. Although its popularity is characterized by its orange color with white stripes, color variations in its subfamily are already widely known.
Also Read: 5 Interesting Facts about Clown Fish, Often Called Nemo Fish!
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2023-12-18 00:07:00
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