Clownfish
Clownfish
Fish
A small, bright orange fish that lives amongst the stinging tentacles of sea anemones.
💡 Fun Facts
- They are immune to the anemone's stings because of a thick layer of protective mucus on their skin.
- They have a symbiotic relationship with the anemone: the fish gets a safe home, and the anemone gets scraps of food.
- All clownfish are born male; the largest and most dominant one in a group will turn into a female.
Name Story
Amphiprion ocellaris
means “Eye-spotted, with a saw on each side”
What does its name mean?
- Amphiprion — saw on both sidesGreek amphi 'both sides' + prion 'saw'
- ocellaris — little-eyed, eye-spottedLatin ocellus 'little eye'
The familiar orange-and-white fish hides a surprise in its name: the edges around its head and gill covers are saw-like and spiny, and 'ocellaris' points to its bold, eye-like markings.