•)
29.
Clownfish and anemone
1/2 hr +
FROM PROJECT REEF ED
© Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Concepts
Aim
Special
• To investigate the association between anemones and clownfish.
association
Adaptation
You will need
Commensalism
• Snorkelling gear or reef-walking gear and transportable viewer
Symbiosis
• Underwater slate or waterproof sheet; pencil
Skills
This activity can take from half an hour to many hours. it can be done in pools on
Observing
the reef-top at low tide or on the reef front while snorkelling.
Recording
Hypothesing
What to do
Visit a particular anemone while snorkelling on the reef front or while
Attitudes
observing a reef-top pool.
Perseverance
Appreciation of
(a) Record the size of the anemone and sketch the species of fish associated
natural
with it for later identification.
environment
(b) Record the numbers of clowntish tish present. Is there a aominant
Confidence in
member of the group?
making
observations
(c) Do the clownfish touch the anemone? If so, how do they move when
doing this?
(d) Do the clownfish appear to concentrate in any particular region of the
anemone?
(e) Does the anemone react to the movements of the fish?
(t) What evidence, if any, do you see of either the clownfish or anemone
feeding?
(g) How far do the clownfish move from the anemone?
(h) What do the clownfish do when away from the anemone?
(i) What behaviour is displayed by the clownfish to other fish species?
(j) How have the fish reacted to your presence and movements?
2. If possible, visit and observe other clownfish/anemone associations.
(a) Are other species of clownfish present?
(b) Are particular types of clownfish associated with particular types of
anemones?
(c) Can you recognise common patterns in the behaviour of the clownfish at
the anemones you observe?
Questions for you to consider
3. Clownfish, unlike other fish, are not stung by nematocysts from the anemones
they are associated with. Various reasons have been suggested for this. Try to
find out about the research that has been undertaken on this.
4. In this association, who benefits, and how? Read literature discussing
symbiosis and commensalism relationships. What kind of association is the
clownfish/anemone partnership? How does the special association compare
with other special associations you know of on the reef?
