Falscher Clownfisch im Aquarium im Zoo Zürich

Clown anemonefish

Amphiprion ocellaris

The clown anemonefish can change its sex: if the dominant female dies, the sexually active male develops into a female.

LC

Red List
Least Concern

Clownfish are also known as anemonefish. Some species are specific to certain types of anemone, which provide them with shelter and protection. 

Clownfish protect the anemones from predators by, for example, attacking and chasing away butterflyfish. In return, the poisonous anemones protect the clownfish, which take refuge inside the anemone when danger threatens. The anemone does not use its poisonous stinging cells against its own clownfish.

The approximately 30 species of anemonefish are among the best-known members of the reef wrasse family.

Taxonomy

Reef wrasses (Pomacentridae), anemonefish (Amphiprion, 29 species)

Habitat

lagoons, reef edges and silted-up reefs at depths of up to 15 metres; they live in symbiosis with the magnificent anemone, the giant anemone or Mertens’ anemone

Behaviour and ecology

sticking to its spot, the anemone even defends itself against divers

Diet

zooplankton

Taxonomy

Reef wrasses (Pomacentridae), anemonefish (Amphiprion, 29 species)

Habitat

lagoons, reef edges and silted-up reefs at depths of up to 15 metres; they live in symbiosis with the magnificent anemone, the giant anemone or Mertens’ anemone

Behaviour and ecology

sticking to its spot, the anemone even defends itself against divers

Diet

zooplankton

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