Tank Raised Ocellaris

Tank Raised Ocellaris (Anemonefish)

Clownfish, also known as anemonefish, are species that form mutualistic relationships with sea anemones in the wild. These fish are immune to the stinging tentacles of the host anemone, a phenomenon linked to their symbiosis. The sea anemone provides protection for the clownfish from predators and offers food through leftover scraps from its meals, as well as occasional dead tentacles. In return, the clownfish defends the anemone against predators and parasites. Clownfish are small, typically measuring between 3.9 and 7.1 inches, and their coloration varies by species, ranging from yellow and orange to reddish or blackish hues. Many species display distinctive white bars or patches. Color variations within species can occur due to factors like distribution, sex, age, and the host anemone. These fish are found in warmer waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and the Red Sea, often in sheltered reefs or shallow lagoons. Clownfish live in groups that follow a strict dominance hierarchy, with the largest and most aggressive fish being female. Only two clownfish, one male and one female, in each group reproduce through external fertilization. Clownfish are sequential hermaphrodites, meaning they start as males and, as they mature, transform into females.