Clark's anemonefish (<i>Amphiprion clarkii</i>) photographed at Pure Aquariums in Lincoln, Nebraska
Clark's anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii) photographed at Pure Aquariums in Lincoln, Nebraska
Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark

Clownfish

Anyone with kids and a DVD player probably thinks they know all there is to know about the clownfish, also called the clown anemonefish. What they may not know is that the heroes of Finding Nemo are actually called false anemonefish. True anemonefish, Amphiprion percula, are nearly identical, but have subtle differences in shape and live in different habitats.

Bright orange with three distinctive white bars, clown anemonefish are among the most recognizable of all reef-dwellers. They reach about 4.3 inches in length, and are named for the multicolored sea anemone in which they make their homes.

Clownfish perform an elaborate dance with an anemone before taking up residence, gently touching its tentacles with different parts of their bodies until they

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