Common clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) in sea anemone (Heteractis magnifica), Mu Ko Lanta Marine National Park, Thailand
Common clownfish are reliant on sea anemone for shelter (they have a symbiotic relationship with the sea anemone). Sea anemone are protection for the fish and their nests. This is because when A. ocellaris are in the open waters, they have a higher risk of predation. It is postulated that the fanning behavior of the fish and removal of parasites promotes the health of sea anemones which contain A. ocellaris fish. In addition, the anemone provides protection for the fish with its tentacles, however, the fish’s mucus protection prevents it from being stung by the tentacles. The presence of the clownfish can be interpreted as a lure to attract potential anemone's preys close to the tentacles. And the clownfish can also defend the anemone against some reef fishes which could eat the tentacles. This species is found in the Eastern Indian Ocean and in the western Pacific Ocean. Amphiprion ocellaris typically lives in small groups on outer reef slopes or in sheltered lagoons at a maximal depth of 15 meters. It inhabits three different species of sea anemones.
Year: 2015
From album: Coastal Environments and Biodiversity
Photographer: Peter Prokosch