Information on Clownfish for a School Project

The clownfish gained widespread attention with the release of the 2003 film "Finding Nemo," in which a clownfish father desperately searches for his only child, Nemo. Those writing essays or creating projects focused around the clownfish can find plenty of information on the critter, ranging from its habitat to its breeding patterns.

  1. Habitat

    • The clownfish dwells in the tropical areas of the Pacific and Indian oceans, with populations focused in Southeast Asia and Northwest Australia. This species of fish also lives in a symbiotic relationship with the sea anemone, which provides the clownfish with food such as zooplankton and algae. In return, the clownfish protects the anemone from predators in the water. Besides dwelling in sea anemones, clownfish also live in lagoons or reefs in the ocean. The clownfish rarely moves far from its sea anemone, and quickly hides within the anemone when in danger.

    Behavior and Life Span

    • While most animals may experience a longer lifespan in captivity because of a lack of predators and disease, the clownfish experiences a shorter lifespan in captivity. In the wild, a clownfish may live six to 10 years, while life in captivity reduces its years to three to five. Owners place the clownfish into tank with inappropriate sea anemones. Only 10 sea anemones provide a compatible, safe environment for the clownfish. The "clownfish" name may be because of the species' active nature. It also demonstrates aggression when it comes to defending its home.

    Breeding of the Clownfish

    • Clownfish can mate year-round in the tropical waters of the oceans. Male clownfish "court" female clownfish through aggressive and playful displays, such as biting and pursuing the female. The male chases the female to the intended nest, such as on rock or coral or near the sea anemone the clownfish considers home. Females lay at least 100 eggs at a time. The responsibility of guarding and protecting the eggs falls to the male clownfish, who remains at his post for approximately five days. After five days, the eggs hatch.

    Hierarchy and Predators of the Clownfish

    • Clownfish are hermaphroditic; they begin life as males and mature into females that can breed. The strongest and largest female of a group of clownfish dominates the hierarchy, followed by the male fish in the group. When the top female dies, the largest and most aggressive male clownfish turns into the leader of the hierarchy as a female clownfish. Despite its aggressive behavior, the small clownfish boasts few natural defenses against larger tropical fish in the oceans. It relies on the tentacles of a sea anemone for protection.