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| A Clownfish swims among the anemones stingers |
The relationship between clownfish and anemones on the coral reef can be called a peaceful yet interesting coexistance. While searching for a new home, the clownfish is actually believed to dance between the anemones venomous waving tentacles, touching all parts of its body until it feels acclimatized to it. Only when the fish gets a comfortable feel for the anemone will it then inhabit it.
The anemones tentacles are lethal to the touch for most species of marine life, but the clownfish has a thin layer of mucus on its body that protects it from the anemones stinging tentacles. The relationship between the two is straight forward, the host provides the clownfish with protection from the reefs numerous predators. When danger is spotted, the clownfish simply darts into its hosts waving arms and stays in retreat until the threat has passed by. In exchange for this protection, the clownfish does a thorough job of cleaning and keeping the anemone free of parasites hence keeping it healthy.
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