Here are 20 facts about clownfish:
Clownfish are also known as anemonefish.
There are about 30 different species of clownfish.
They are typically small fish, growing up to 3.5 inches long.
Clownfish are brightly colored with orange, white, and black stripes.
They have a mucus layer on their skin that protects them from the stinging cells of their host anemone.
Clownfish are found in warm, shallow waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Sea.
They live in symbiosis with anemones, meaning they benefit from each other's presence.
The clownfish bring food to the anemone and the anemone provides shelter and protection for the clownfish.
Clownfish are not born immune to the stinging cells of the anemone. They slowly develop this immunity as they grow.
Clownfish are territorial fish and can be aggressive towards other fish.
They are omnivores and will eat algae, plankton, and small crustaceans.
Clownfish can change their sex. When the dominant female dies, the dominant male will change sex to become the new female.
Clownfish lay their eggs on a flat surface near the anemone and will aggressively protect them.
The male clownfish will guard the eggs until they hatch, fanning them with his fins to provide oxygen.
The eggs hatch after 6 to 10 days and the larvae drift in the ocean for a few weeks before settling on the sea floor.
Clownfish have been popularized by the Disney movie "Finding Nemo."
Due to this popularity, there has been an increase in demand for clownfish as pets, leading to overfishing in some areas.
Clownfish have been bred in captivity, which helps reduce the demand for wild-caught fish.
They have a lifespan of up to 10 years in the wild and 3-5 years in captivity.
Clownfish are a common sight in many aquariums around the world.
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