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Anemonefishes are a subfamily of the damselfishes. Contains 2 genera and 26 species. They are also called clown fishes. Characteristics Deep compressed body, small mouth with a toothless palate. Colorful animals (mostly red and orange), many with white bands. Ecology and range Anemonefishes life in tropical waters from the red sea, the pacific ocean, Australia to the Solomon islands. There are no anemonefishes in the caribbean. Anemonefishes life in close symbiotic relationship with one or more of 10 host sea anemones. Each species has a prefered anemone host, although most occasionally occur in a number of anemone species. Some anemones such as Heterractis magnifica or H. crispa host more than one species of anemonefish. Anemonefishes live mostly in shallow lagoons and seaward reefs. Behavior Anemonefishes are protected from the anemones stinging cells by their mucus. They are protandrous hermaphrodites (mature as males, reverse sex later and become breeding females). Eggs are laid near or under the anemone and tended and protected by the male. They feed on zooplankton and algae.
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