Here's how it works:
* The female releases eggs: The female clownfish lays her eggs in a protected location, often on a coral or an anemone.
* The male fertilizes the eggs: The male clownfish immediately releases his sperm over the eggs, fertilizing them externally.
* The male cares for the eggs: The male clownfish then takes on the responsibility of guarding and caring for the eggs, fanning them with his fins to keep them oxygenated and clean.
* Larvae hatch: Once the eggs hatch, the larvae are released into the water and are left to fend for themselves.
This method of external fertilization is common in many fish species, allowing for large numbers of offspring to be produced at once.