Finding Nemo introduced a whole generation to the world beneath the waves and propelled orange clownfish to superstar status for Aquarium pets.
Orange clownfish (Amphiprion percula) are also called clown anemonefish for the toxic sea anemones with which they have a symbiotic relationship and where they make their home. As their name suggests, orange clownfish are orange with three white bands outlined in black. They average about three inches in length and are native to the coral reefs off the coasts of Australia and southeast Asia.
These fish are omnivores, eating both meat, algae and plants. Interestingly, all clownfish are born male and are able to change to female for breeding, but cannot change back. Even more interesting is that clownfish live in social groups dominated by a single female! The fish communicate through a series of popping and clicking noises to work together to avoid predation by sharks, stingrays and large bony fish. The Zoo is home to a small group of captive raised orange clownfish on exhibit in one of the Aquarium’s jewel tanks.
