Quick answer
The clownfish, or anemonefish, is a small, brightly colored reef fish famous for living safely among the stinging tentacles of sea anemones, protected by a special mucus coating. Made famous by the film Finding Nemo, clownfish form a partnership with their anemone that benefits both. All clownfish are born male and can change sex, and they typically live 6 to 10 years.
Key takeaway
The clownfish, or anemonefish, is a small, brightly colored reef fish famous for living safely among the stinging tentacles of sea anemones, protected by a special mucus coating. Made famous by the film Finding Nemo, clownfish form a partnership with their anemone that benefits both. All clownfish are born male and can change sex, and they typically live 6 to 10 years.
Clownfish overview
Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is a fish listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 0.03 kg; lifespan around 6–10 years.
Clownfish ecology
Diet: Omnivore. Habitat: Coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Clownfishs and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild clownfishs are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Clownfish profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
A partnership with anemones
Clownfish live among the venomous tentacles of sea anemones, which sting most other fish. A layer of special mucus on the clownfish's skin protects it from the stings, so the anemone becomes a safe home and shelter from predators. In return, the clownfish drives off intruders, cleans the anemone, and its waste helps feed it.
Born male, can change sex
All clownfish hatch as males. They live in small groups dominated by a single breeding female; if she dies, the largest male changes sex to become the new female, and the next fish in line steps up to breed. This flexible system keeps a breeding pair available within each anemone.
Sources
Clownfish FAQs
What are key facts about clownfishs?
The clownfish, or anemonefish, is a small, brightly colored reef fish famous for living safely among the stinging tentacles of sea anemones, protected by a special mucus coating. Made famous by the film Finding Nemo, clownfish form a partnership with their anemone that benefits both. All clownfish are born male and can change sex, and they typically live 6 to 10 years.
What is the scientific name of the clownfish?
Amphiprion ocellaris — used in research and conservation listings for clownfishs.
What do clownfishs eat?
Clownfishs are described as omnivores, with seasonal and regional variation in Coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific.
Where do clownfishs live?
They are associated with Coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of clownfishs?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.