Anyone with kids and a DVD player probably thinks they know all there is to know about the clown anemonefish, or, simply, clownfish. What they may not know is that the heroes of Finding Nemo are actually called false anemonefish. True anemonefish are nearly identical, but have subtle differences in shape and live in different habitats.
The two-band Anemonefish is the only clownfish in the Red Sea. I absolutely loved to watch those beautiful, energetic fish fervently protest my approach, then retreat to the shelter of their anemone and shimmy into its embrace. When the clownfish determine a diver is not a threat, they usually get bold, rushing to look into your face mask and unleashing a few resounding pecks before retreating back to safety.
Surprisingly, all clownfish are born male. They have the ability to switch their sex, but will do so only to become the dominant female of a group. The change is irreversible.
I am still posting photos of my last holiday in September... and in the future I will post less often as my little son has forbidden me to sit next to computer!
