If you’ve ever seen the film Finding Nemo, the chances are that you’re familiar with the small, orange and white striped fish that played the leading role – and if you’ve ever visited us here at our Aquarium, then you’ll also have seen them swimming around their tank in our Biozone area.
Bright orange, with three white distinctive bars across their middles, Clownfish reach around 4.3 inches in length, and are named after the multi-coloured sea anemone in which they make their homes.
Before taking up residence, they perform an elaborate dance with the anemone, gently touching its tentacles with their bodies until they are acclimated to their host. Despite anemones posing a threat to many fish due to their lethal sting, Clownfish are covered with a thin layer of protective mucus which keeps them safe from harm.
It’s a two-way relationship, however, and in exchange for a safe place to hide from predators, the Clownfish preens its anemone to remove any parasites. It’s all about give and take!
Want to see some real life Clownfish? Click below to book your tickets!
