Anemonefish

Amphiprion ocellaris

Clown Anemonefish
Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Perciformes

Family: Pomacentridae

Genus: Amphiprion

species: Amphiprion ocellaris

Adults are an orange-brown color with two white bars with black edging encircling the body. The first bar is located on the head behind the eyes and may be thin and broken. The second bar is on the body below the dorsal fin. The caudal peduncle and caudal fin are white. Juveniles are normally brown with three white stripes. In sub-adults the colouring changes to a dull yellow with two white stripes. They have 10 to 11 dorsal spines and 2 anal spines. They reach a maximum length of 9 cm (3½ in) and weigh on average 27.50 g (0.97 oz).

Life History

There is a strong hierarchy within a group of anemonefish inhabiting one anemone. Usually, a large female dominates. She mates only with the largest males. The female lays eggs in or near the anemone. If a suitable surface is not available, the female may even drag one near the anemone. This behavior allows anemonefish to be among the few reef fishes that have been successfully bred in captivity.

Some reef fish species are able to turn from females into males. This is actually a common ability. But anemonefish have the ability to sex-change from male to female (called Protandrous Hermaphroditism). All anemonefish are born male with active male and dormant female reproductive organs. If the female dies, then the dominant male will sex-change into a female, and a non-dominant male will change into a dominant male. This allows anemonefish inhabiting one anemone to remain self-sufficient in that if the female dies there is no need for the male to find a new mate. The responsibility for caring of the eggs becomes the "new" female's job!

Anemonefish care for their spawn by fanning the eggs with their fins, removing litter or dead eggs using their mouths with great precision, and keeping other fish away.

This fish always reminds me of my favorite movie " Finding Nemo". Our son loves to look at that picture in our calendar. It was nice to research and know more about things we don't have ideas. Internet is really great! Provide answers that will satisfy us.