florida joe
Well-Known Member
There has been and always will be some confusion as to who hosts who in this symbiotic relationship. Let’s set the record straight. The anemone is the host it provides hospitality to its guest the clown fish. This relationship was most likely started in the open ocean as a result of the anemone receiving protection from polyp-eating fish (the guest fish chasing the unwanted guests away). It also receives fertilizer from the feces of the Clown Fish. As well as food particles dropped as the clown fish feeds. It is widely believed that they are the only fish that are not affected by the sting of the tentacles of the sea anemone. (Slime coat protection) And this susceptibility of other fish to get stung gives the clown fish as the guest protection from its own predators.