PUBLISHED May 10, 2011

close Clark's anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii) photographed at Pure Aquariums in Lincoln, Nebraska Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark close An ocellaris clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) photographed at Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark close A cinnamon clownfish (Amphiprion melanopus) photographed at Pure Aquariums in Lincoln, Nebraska Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark close Clownfish get their name from the bold color strokes on their body, like a clown’s face paint. Photograph by David Liittschwager, Nat Geo Image Collection close Tap images for captions

Common Name: Clownfish Scientific Name: Amphiprioninae Type: Fish Diet: Carnivore Average life span in Captivity: 6 to 10 years. Size: 4.3 inches Size relative to a teacup IUCN Red List Status: close The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species. lc Least Concern At relatively low risk of extinction nt Near Threatened Likely to become vulnerable in the near future vu Vulnerable At high risk of extinction in the wild en Endangered At very high risk of extinction in the wild cr Critically Endangered At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild ew Extinct in the Wild Survives only in captivity ex Extinct No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity Data Deficient Not enough information available to make an assessment Not Evaluated No assessment has been made ? lc nt vu en cr ew ex least concern extinct Current Population Trend: Unknown

Anyone with kids and a DVD player probably thinks they know all there is to know about the clownfish, also called the clown anemonefish. What they may not know is that the heroes of Finding Nemo are actually called false anemonefish. True anemonefish, Amphiprion percula, are nearly identical, but have subtle differences in shape and live in different habitats.

Characteristics

Bright orange with three distinctive white bars, clown anemonefish are among the most recognizable of all reef-dwellers. They reach about 4.3 inches in length, and are named for the multicolored sea anemone in which they make their homes.

Relationship with Anemones

Clownfish perform an elaborate dance with an anemone before taking up residence, gently touching its tentacles with different parts of their bodies until they are acclimated to their host. A layer of mucus on the clownfish's skin makes it immune to the fish-eating anemone's lethal sting. In exchange for safety from predators and food scraps, the clownfish drives off intruders and preens its host, removing parasites.

Population Range

There are at least 30 known species of clownfish, most of which live in the shallow waters of the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the western Pacific. They are not found in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Atlantic Ocean.

Changing Sex

Surprisingly, all clownfish are born male. They have the ability to switch their sex, but will do so only to become the dominant female of a group. The change is irreversible.

WATCH: Clownfish and Sea Anemone Partnership Clownfish have evolved an ingenious though slimy way to use stinging anemones for their own protection.