Common Clown Fish

The Common Clown Fish is a small but mighty reef dweller that’s as famous as it is adorable—thanks in part to a certain animated movie! These bright orange fish are decorated with three white bands outlined in black, giving them a cheerful, cartoon-like appearance. They usually grow to about 4 inches long and have a wiggly, energetic swim style that makes them fun to watch. Don’t let their size fool you—Clown Fish are full of personality and love zipping in and out of their sea anemone homes.

Clown Fish live in the warm, shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, especially around coral reefs and lagoons. They have a very special relationship with sea anemones, which most fish avoid because of their stinging tentacles. But not the Clown Fish! Thanks to a protective layer of mucus on their skin, they can swim among the anemone's tentacles without getting stung. The two species help each other out—the anemone offers protection, and the Clown Fish helps keep it clean and even lures in food.

These fish are omnivores, nibbling on algae, plankton, and small invertebrates. They’re also very social, living in small groups where the largest female is the boss. In a fun twist, if the female dies, the dominant male will actually change into a female to take her place! In the reef ecosystem, Clown Fish help their anemone homes thrive and add a splash of color to the coral world. At the zoo, they’re always a crowd favorite—especially for kids eager to spot a “Nemo” in real life!

Common Clown Fish

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