Animal's Behavior

Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) live in small groups inhabiting a single anemone. The group consists of a breeding pair, which cohabit with a few non-reproductive, "pre-pubescent", and smaller male clownfish. When the female dies, the dominant male changes sex and becomes the female. This life history strategy is known as sequential hermaphroditism. Because clownfish are all born as males, they are protandrous hermaphrodites.

Eating Habits

Clownfish are omnivorous. They eat live food such as algae, plankton, mollusks, and crustacea in the wild. Although a clownfish's eating habits suggest behavior which is opportunistic rather than predatory, the clownfish hangs around waiting for the anemone to have dinner first before it dines on what's left, uneaten, undigested or excreted.

Range

Indo-Pacific oceanic region

Conservation Efforts

The clownfish conservation status is classified as "Least Concern."

Animal Facts

There are 28 recognized species of clownfish.