Mutual Symbiosis

Here is a cool photo that I took at the Fort Fisher Aquarium earlier this semester! This ocellaris clown fish (Amphiprioninar) has a mutual symbiotic relationship with this sea anemone (Actiniaria)! Both the clown fish and the sea anemone benefit from each others company! The clown fish receives protection from bigger fish through the anemone and the anemone receives protection from other predatory fish that are chased away by the extremely territorial clown fish. As a member of the phylum Cnidaria, this sea anemone possess nematocysts that sting prey; not including the clown fish. It is thought that this is due to the mucus coating, that overtime and contact with anemones, produces antigens. I find it extremely interesting that the clown fish has been able to adapt to the stings of the anemone in order to thrive in its aquatic environment! #UNCW #uncwteal #ecology #FishAreCool

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