Clownfish are brightly colored fish that live in warm ocean waters, mostly in the Indo-Pacific region. They are best known for their orange bodies with white stripes and their special relationship with sea anemones. These soft, stinging animals protect clownfish from predators, and in return, clownfish help keep the anemones clean by eating debris and parasites.
Clownfish belong to a group of fish called anemonefish, and there are over 30 different species! One of the most amazing facts about clownfish is that they can change sex. All clownfish are born male, and the dominant male can turn into a female if the group’s female dies. They live in small groups with one female, one breeding male, and several smaller non-breeding males.
Clownfish are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals, including algae, plankton, and tiny shrimp.
Fun Fact: Clownfish have a special mucus on their skin that protects them from the stings of sea anemones — something most fish can’t survive.
Explore the fascinating world of clownfish and discover how these tiny fish help keep coral reef ecosystems healthy!