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Clownfish

Marine life profile

Clownfish

Recorded at 2011 dive sites

Where divers encounter it

Explore Clownfish around the world

Clownfish or anemonefishes (genus Amphiprion) are saltwater fish found in the warm and tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. It darts between tentacles, defends a tiny territory and helps circulate water around its host.

Dive sites2011
Countries57
Animal groupReef Fish
Safety profileGenerally Harmless

Meet the species

What to look for

How to Recognize It

A small, boldly banded reef fish rarely far from the protective tentacles of its host anemone.

How It Behaves

It darts between tentacles, defends a tiny territory and helps circulate water around its host.

Special Ability

A protective mucus coating lets it live among stinging tentacles that deter most predators.

Dive responsibly

Share the water well

How to Approach

Move slowly at the same depth, avoid swimming directly at it and let the fish resume its normal behavior.

Safety

Usually safe to observe at a respectful distance. Never feed, corner or touch a fish, especially near nests or cleaning stations.

Worth knowing

The detail you remember

Interesting Facts

Clownfish live in a strict social hierarchy, and the dominant breeding fish is female.

Where to Find

Look around coral structure, rocky reef, wrecks and current lines where shelter and food meet.

Known countries

MauritiusIndonesiaCambodiaPhilippinesEgyptIndiaMaldivesThailandJapanSaudi ArabiaOmanSolomon Islands