Story Behind the Photo: Percula Clownfish and Anemone
One of the best examples of a symbiotic relationship is that of a clownfish and an anemone. Also known as ‘anemonefish’, this particular variety, ‘percula’ (amphiprion percula) was made extremely popular after the Disney movie, Finding Nemo, and I would venture to say is a staple at most public aquariums. Clownfish are the only fish that are immune to the stinging tentacles of anemones thanks to a protective mucus on their scales. They are also very territorial and therefore help to protect the anemone from fish that would eat the anemone. In return, the clownish eats the algae and “leftovers” that the anemone is unable to eat providing a convenient source of food. This clownfish and anemone were photographed at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, FL.
