By: Robyn

The clownfish is a brightly colored omnivorous fish found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The coloration,

resembling the bright face paint worn by circus clowns, is the reason for the clownfish’s name. There are 30 different

species of clownfish, and most are known for their relationship with the poisonous sea anemone. Their beauty makes people want them as aquarium fish,

although they can be difficult to care for as pets. In the early 2000s, clownfish were well known for their

appearance in the film Finding Nemo.

CLARKII CLOWNFISH

TOMATO CLOWNFISH OCELLARIS CLOWNFISH

PERCULA CLOWNFISH

SEBAE CLOWNFISH ORANGE SKUNK CLOWNFISH

MAROON CLOWNFISH

CINNAMON CLOWNFISH

PINK SKUNK CLOWNFISH

The most famous Clownfish are the Percula and Ocellaris Clownfish. When people refer to Clownfish

they think of the orange and white organism.

The most common home for the Clown Fish is among the tentacles of the Sea Anemone. The tiny Clownfish is able to

live in it without getting stung by the tentacles of the Anemone. The fish actually uses the Anemone to save itself

from predators. The fish continuously loops through the waving tentacles of the Anemone and is moving around all

the time. It is believed that the Clownfish develops a kind of slimy covering around its body that helps it to withstand the Anemone's stings. The Clown Fish is dependent on the Sea Anemone for its daily bread. After the Anemone paralyzes and eats a fish, the Clownfish will polish off the remaining uneaten bits and pieces. In return, the Clownfish helps to keep the Anemone free of dead tentacles by eating these.

The Clownfish also helps the Anemone get food by using its bright coloration to lure unsuspecting fish into the

Anemone. This symbiotic relationship with the Anemone makes the Clownfish one of the most curious creatures

living in water.

They live in the warmer waters of the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. They are also found in northwest Australia, southeast Asia, Japan and the Indo-Malaysian region. There are no

clownfish in the Caribbean.

This map shows where Clownfish can be found in the world.

Clownfish depend on the Sea Anemone to help capture its meal. After the anemone eats a fish, the clownfish eats the

remaining pieces. If an anemone possesses any dead limbs, the clownfish eats these tentacles also. Anemones depend on the clownfish to flash its colors and draw in bait and small fish for

a meal.

Gills enable the Clownfish to breathe. Gills consist of

thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills, oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream.

Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

The female clown fish will lay 600 to 1600 eggs at the base of her

anemone. The male will take care of the eggs until they hatch. He will eat the infertile eggs and regularly clean them with squirts of water. The eggs

will hatch after 9 to 10 days.

Clownfish lay eggs on any flat surface close to their anemones.

Depending on the species, clownfish can lay hundreds or

thousands of eggs.

Clownfish use their fins for movement through water. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the fish in water. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to

perform a specific function:

•Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fish. The Clownfish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming. •Ventral fins- The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fish. The Clownfish have Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming just like Dorsal fins do. •Caudal fins- The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fish. The Clownfish has Caudal fins to propel through the water. •Pectoral fins- The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fish. The Clownfish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement.

Scientific Name: Amphiprion percula

Kingdom : Animalia

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Actinopterygii

Order : Perciformes

Family : Pomacentridae

Genus : Amphiprion

Species : Amphiprion percula

•http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/clownfish/

•http://www.helium.com/items/1152103-clownfish

•http://www.fish-species.org.uk/clown-fish/index.htm

•http://www.angelfire.com/jazz/clownyclowns/cinnamon_clown.htm