The Relationship Between The Salt Water Clown Fish And The Sea Anemone
The saltwater clown fish has become very popular after the movie Finding Nemo. With a very wide range of colors that go from yellow to maroon and to beautiful orange shades, the Salt water clown fish comprises of 30 different species. These fish prefer the warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, but they also enjoy the climate of the Red Sea. Their name comes from the variety of colors that they have. But do not get fooled by the cheerful colors, because these fish are very aggressive and are able to go great lengths so they can protect their territory.
What the saltwater clown fish depends on the Sea Anemone for food and shelter. Because the Anemone is a venomous water creature it is believed that the Salt water clown fish has developed some sort of slime that covers its entire body and which supposedly protects him from the sting of the Anemone. They create a nice symbioses helping and depending on each other every day, because while the Anemone protects the Salt water clown fish from its predators, the clown fish keeps the Anemone healthy by getting rid of the Anemone's dead tentacles and polishing off the remaining uneaten bits and pieces of fish.
But the variety of color that the Salt water clown fish is not just decorative, since they are the main way the Anemone attracts its prey and they both get benefits when a fish is getting caught. The Salt water clown fish does not have real predators because of the protection offered by the tentacles of the Anemone. They are able to swim around them very graciously and do not get stung, making this symbiotic relation very interesting and profitable for both.
