There are many symbiotic relationships found in the sea that are fascinating to witness. We first posted about the symbiotic relationship between cleaner shrimp and fish last year, then we posted about the symbiotic relationship between gobies and pistol shrimp earlier this year, and now we are posting about the amazing symbiotic relationship between clownfish and sea anemones. This particular relationship is mostly based on protection. The anemone protects clownfish from predators with its tentacles containing harpoon-like stinging capsules called nematocysts. Anemones employ these nematocysts to capture prey and ward off predators, but unlike other fish in the sea, the clownfish have a special kind of mucus on their scales that somehow protects them against the anemone’s sting. Anemones protect clownfish, but clownfish protect anemones as well. Clownfish protect their anemone hosts from Butterflyfish (the anemone’s predator), as Butterflyfish seek to devour anemones! Research has shown that if the clownfish are removed from the anemone, Butterflyfish will attack and eat the anemone. This is just another amazing mutual relationship that occurs in the sea and can be witnessed in a Creation of the Sea aquarium.

**The photo in this post shows a Clownfish with its beautiful Pink Bubble-tip Anemone host in a Creation of the Sea aquarium.**