Clownfish

Brilliantly colored black, orange and white clownfish live in pairs in sheltered reefs or shallow lagoons in tropical zones of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Clownfish are also known as "anemonefish" or "clown anemonefish" because of the symbiotic relationship they form with anemones. Although the venomous tentacles of the anemone are harmful to other fish, the clownfish is coated with a special mucous that makes it invulnerable to the sting. The anemone offers a valuable hiding place for the often preyed upon clownfish and its eggs. In return, the clownfish rids the anemone of parasites, protects it from invaders, and provides it with nutrients from its fecal matter and leftover food scraps.

• Amazon.com: Clownfish Books

• Google Books: Clownfish

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