Clownfish

A real-life reef superstar, the clownfish (aka anemonefish) is a bright phenomenon of the Indo-Pacific. With its bold white stripes, this fish knows how to stand out - and survive!

Clownfish live in warm, shallow coastal waters across the Indian and Pacific Oceans - from the Great Barrier Reef and Southeast Asia to Japan and the Red Sea.

They make their homes inside sea anemones. Their bodies are coated in a slimy mucus that protects them from the anemone’s sting — so they can hide safely from predators and snack on leftover meals

Habitat

Shallow waters in coral reefs

Size

4 - 10 cm

Diet

Algae, zooplankton, small crustaceans

Distribution

Indo-Pacific region

These colourful little reef dwellers are masters of teamwork, family dynamics, and reef care - they’re not just cute - they’re cool! Their social structure, bright colours, and symbiosis with anemones make them perfect ambassadors for the seas.

Fast Fish Facts

Born Boys, But…

All clownfish are born male. In a group, the dominant fish becomes female — and if she disappears, the top male transforms into a female!

Tiny Homebuilders

Males clean a bit of rock near the anemone, where females lay between 100–1,000 eggs. After 6–7 days, little larvae hatch and swim off to find their own anemone homes.