Clownfish

Clownfish, also called anemonefish, are a group of about 30 small marine fishes in the subfamily Amphiprioninae of Pomacentridae. They are native to warm Indian and Pacific Ocean waters, from East Africa to Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef, and most species live among sea anemones.

Typical clownfish have bright orange bodies with white bands; color patterns vary by species. They usually reach 4–12 cm in length.

Clownfish maintain a mutualistic relationship with sea anemones. The anemone provides protection from predators; in return, clownfish defend the host and provide nutrients. Clownfish are immune to the anemone's stings.

They live in small groups within a single anemone, with a strict hierarchy: the largest is female, the second-largest is breeding male, and smaller fish are non-breeding. If the female dies, the breeding male becomes female. Spawning occurs on a flat surface near the host; the male guards eggs until they hatch after about a week.

Diet is omnivorous, including small invertebrates, algae, and leftovers from the anemone.

In the aquarium trade, clownfish are popular and many species are bred in captivity, reducing collection pressure on wild populations in some regions.

Conservation status varies by species; threats include habitat degradation and overfishing for aquariums. They are widely studied for their symbiosis with sea anemones and their unique social structure.