Blog Bathala – 25.0.2021

Out of the 29 different species of clownfish worldwide, this particular one (see photo) is endemic to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The anemone’s tentacles have stinging cells called nematocysts that release a toxin when prey or predator touches it. Clownfish, however, develop immunity to the toxin by very carefully touching the tentacles with different parts of their bodies. A layer of mucus builds up, protecting the clownfish from the toxin. The pair, then, forms a symbiotic relationship. The anemone provides protection and leftovers for the clownfish, while the clownfish brings food to the anemone and preens its host, removing parasites.