Australian Anemonefish

Morphology

Secretes a mucous layer that covers the skin and protects it from the stinging tentacles of sea anemones. Like most damselfishes (Pomacentridae), it has an ovate body with a single dorsal fin. Reaches a maximum size of 13 cm.

Evolution

The genus Amphiprion contains 29 currently recognised species. It is part of the diverse damselfish family Pomacentridae, which contains almost 400 species.

Behaviour

Lives in small groups that are commensal with sea anemones including Entacmaea quadricolor and Stichodatcyla gigantea. Feeds mainly on plankton.

Method of reproduction

Sexual

Habitat

Marine

Associated with their host sea anemones in shallow water of fringing and lagoonal coral reefs to 10 m depth.

Distribution

Endemic to northern and western Australia, occurring from Point Quobba (WA) to the Gulf of Carpentaria (NT).

Life Cycle

Oviparous. A sequential hermaphrodite. The largest fish in the group is the breeding female and the second largest the breeding male. If the female perishes, the breeding male changes sex to become the breeding female and the next largest non-breeding male becomes the breeding male. Females deposit sticky eggs on a hard surface near the host sea anemone. The male guards and periodically oxygenates the eggs by fanning his fins until they hatch.