Anemonefish, or clownfish as they are widely known, are some of my favorite photographic subjects. Not only are they brightly and boldly colored, but you are almost guaranteed a surreal background. These fish are almost always found darting in and out of their host anemone, which provides a protective home for the anemonefish.
http://www.daimarsphotos.com/Animals/Anemonefish/
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| Waving Hello? |
These fish have always been a favorite of scuba divers and underwater photographers, but have gained a worldwide reputation since being featured as "Nemo" in the Finding Nemo movie. With fame comes problems. The demand for anemonefish in the aquarium trade has increased exponentially, an ironic fact since the movie's message preached the exact opposite.
The mutualism between anemonefish and their host anemone has been widely studied but is still not fully understood. Just how the fish are able to avoid the potent poison of the anemone is only theories at this point. It could be the fish's mucus coating, or the fish may have co-evolved with a specific species of anemone becoming immune to the toxin.
There are many benefits to the relationship that have been proved. The anemone can protect against the fish's predators, while the fish can take care of pesky parasites that would invade the anemone. The anemone also provides a safe nesting place for baby anemonefish like Nemo to grow up. The anemone can also pick up extra nutrients from the clownfish's excrement.
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| A parasite looks out from the mouth- NatGeo |
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Anemonefish live in shallow protected tropical reefs and lagoons. Since they are often in shallow water it is usually towards the end of the dive that I have time to search out and photograph these beautiful fish. On one occasion here in Lembeh, I found one anemonefish that was acting a bit strange. They are often defensive of their homes and will dart out at the camera. However this one was hanging back, tucked within the neon tentacles of the anemone, while holding its mouth open. After closer inspection I noticed a parasite had entered the fish's mouth, eaten, and then replaced the tongue of the fish. Two beady little eyes peered out from the open mouth cavity. It was very interesting to see an example of parasitism in the middle of one of the most famous forms of mutualism.
Anemonefish Photography For Sale
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