Sea Anemone and Clown Fish
By; Jada and Chelsea
In return for a safe and protective home, the clownfish benefits the anemone in several important ways. These include cleaning the anemone, providing nutrients in the form of waste, and scaring away predatory fish such as the butterfly fish. www.ask nature.com
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In order to live among the anemone, clownfish first and foremost protect themselves from nematocyst strikes. Nematocysts are harpoon-like stingers on the anemone’s tentacles used to capture prey and ward off predators. While most fish try to eat the nutrient-rich tentacles, the possibility of being stung while eating deters the clownfish from nibbling on it. In return, the anemone has evolved to not strike the clownfish.
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On the off chance the clownfish is struck, it is protected by a thick mucus layer. The mucus layer is three to four times thicker than other fish, and can be a combination of both anemone and clownfish mucus.The clownfish is born with a mucus layer that is already thicker than average, but as it grows, it can mix its mucus with that of the anemone’s to create a stronger barrier.
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In return for a safe and protective home, the clownfish benefits the anemone in several important ways. These include cleaning the anemone, providing nutrients in the form of waste, and scaring away predatory fish such as the butterfly fish.