Ocean field note
Snuggled in stinging arms
The Clownfish's Cozy Hideout
A clownfish can swim safely among a sea anemone's stinging tentacles, which would sting almost any other fish that touched them.
Let's look closer
How does a clownfish live somewhere so dangerous for everyone else?
clownfish coats itself in an extra-thick layer of slippery mucus that seems to hide it chemically from the anemone's sting, so the anemone's own tentacles don't recognize the clownfish as food. In return for this safe home, the clownfish chases away butterflyfish and other nibblers that might otherwise eat the anemone, and drops bits of leftover food that the anemone can absorb. Over time the two become lifelong roommates who look out for each other, with the anemone providing shelter while the clownfish provides protection and nourishment in return.
Look for this
Explorer clue
In a reef tank or video, watch a clownfish dart in and out of an anemone's waving arms without ever flinching away.
Your turn to wonder
Curiosity question
Who is someone that keeps you safe while you help them right back?
Keep wandering
