Amphiprion - clown fish! Such an unusual and bright clown. Is there a clown fish?

Artificial sea water in an aquarium should have a density of about 1.02, with about 34 grams of salts for each liter of liquid. Due to the fact that this type of fish is natural conditions lives in tropical seas, where the waters are quite warm; the temperature in the aquarium is required to be at least 26 and no more than 31°C.

The cleanliness of the aquarium is maintained using a biological filter; organic particles may also periodically accumulate on the surface of the soil, which should be removed with a siphon. The most suitable soil for amphiprions is coral sand, the particle size of which should be from 3 to 6 mm. The size of the sand layer is recommended 8 - 9 mm.

Fish need to replace part of the water in the aquarium every week - about 25%. Care must be taken to ensure that chemical composition fresh water was no different.

Amphiprion is a clown fish!

Feeding

Clowns are not at all capricious in terms of nutrition. They need to be fed several times a day, giving food in small portions. Due to the fact that all the leftovers from the fish’s meals go to the sea anemone, waste from these inhabitants of the aquarium is minimal. Therefore, unlike other representatives of the underwater world that live near coral reefs, amphiprions are suitable for not too expensive and fairly simple equipment for water purification.

Clowns eat all the traditional foods that can be found in pet stores. A special treat for them is frozen food. Due to the not picky nature of such inhabitants, they eat almost everything that fits in their mouth.

The most famous types of amphiprions:

• Pied-nosed amphiprion
• Orange amphiprion
• Tomato clown
• Moorish clown
• Clown pink
• Red and black clown

Classification

The entire genus of amphiprions has about 25 varieties, but of these they can be kept in home aquarium no more than 10. This is due to the fact that some fish live either in places that are too difficult to catch, or their catching is generally prohibited.

The most common species found in captivity are:

– clarkii – chocolate fish, the most common among the entire genus. The color of its body ranges from a dark yellow tint to almost black. She has a slightly elongated body, a small mouth and small teeth;

– ocellaris – a representative of this particular species is the main character of the cartoon about Nemo the fish. For all his pretty appearance, he is quite aggressive. Their belligerence, arrogance and self-confidence are simply amazing, and it is explained by the fact that at the slightest danger the fish can hide among the tentacles of an anemone, becoming inaccessible;

– melanopus – they are very similar to some other species. The main difference between this species is the pelvic fins, which are completely black. Representatives of this species are not recommended to be kept together with other varieties of amphiprions;

Amphiprion is a clown fish!

– perideraion – characteristic feature The pink clown is a light stripe running along the back of the fish. They are less common than other species of the genus Amphiprion. The fish is not as colorful as some other representatives of this genus, but, nevertheless, it is quite easy to keep.

Appearance of amphiprions

Clown fish are distinguished not only by their bright colors, but also by their body shape. They have a short back and a flattened body (from the sides). These fish have one dorsal fin, divided into two parts by a kind of notch. One of the parts (the one closer to the head) has prickly thorns, while the other, on the contrary, is very soft.

The body length of amphiprions can vary from 15 to 20 centimeters. There is a lot of mucus on the skin of these fish; it protects them from the stinging cells of sea anemones, among which clown fish spend quite a lot of time. The skin of amphiprions has a contrasting color, always in bright shades, with a predominance of: yellow, blue, white, orange flowers.

Reproduction of amphiprions

Unusual phenomenon, associated with sexual transformation, is present in the life of every amphiprion. The fact is that every clown fish is born as a male. And only upon reaching a certain age and size does a male individual turn into a female. However, in natural conditions habitat, a group of amphiprions has only one female - the dominant one, she in a special way(at the physical and hormonal level) suppresses the transformation of males into females.

During the breeding season, amphiprions lay up to several thousand eggs. Eggs are laid on flat stones in the immediate vicinity of anemone thickets. The maturation of future fry lasts about 10 days.

Amphiprion is a clown fish!

Compatibility

The best neighbors for clowns are peaceful fish that do not show aggression. These include gobies, butterfly fish, blennies, chromis, cardinals and others.

A variety of carnivorous fish, such as triggerfish, eels, lionfish or groupers, can pose a danger to amphiprions, so keeping amphiprions with such inhabitants is highly not recommended.

FEATURES OF THE DEVICE

Previously, scientists believed that clownfish and other representatives of this family simply have an innate immunity to the poison that is secreted by the tentacles of sea anemones. But studies have shown that such immunity is produced and maintained in a special way only to one specific type of sea anemone. When the fish approaches the polyp's tentacles for the first time, it touches them lightly and immediately swims away. This process is repeated several times. During this “training”, the fish’s body becomes covered with a layer of sticky mucus, becoming insensitive to its stinging cells. When, in this way, the fish gets used to one sea anemone, it does not get burned, swimming in the middle of the tentacles. On the contrary, she tries to rub against them every time. But if the fish ends up among the tentacles of another type of sea anemone, it may die immediately.

Clown fish - description and photographs.

All fry clown fish are born males, but during life the fish changes sex if the female of the pair dies. Characteristic is that the males are much smaller than the females, the head is short, the body is flattened laterally, and the back is high. The upper fin is divided, the front part has spiny spines, and the back part is soft. It is this difference that visually separates the dorsal fin, and in appearance it seems that there are two of them. Clown fish are unpretentious in food; the main food for amphitryon is microscopic algae and small crustaceans. Clown fish live in schools, always led by an old and large female. During the spawning period, the fish lays from several hundred to a thousand eggs on flat stones, next to its neighbor anemone. Caviar ripening occurs within 10 days. While the fry are developing, the clown fish courageously guards them.

Aquarium clown fish.

Clown fish are quite popular among aquarists because of their bright colors and interesting behavior: you can watch them for hours, losing track of time. Another huge advantage of keeping clown fish in an aquarium is their unpretentiousness compared to other coral fish. But even this seemingly cute little fish has a minus - in captivity, the clown fish becomes quite aggressive. And this must be taken into account when adding it to other fish in the aquarium. Color aquarium fish exactly repeats the natural one, large black stripes alternate with red or orange and white. The fins are edged black, and the irises around the eyes are bright orange. The only difference: the stripes can have different shapes.

Few representatives of the seas and oceans can boast of such popularity as the clown fish. It has a fabulous and contrasting color. Therefore, even children know what she looks like. After all, she is the prototype of the heroes of many cartoons and toys. The fish is given this name because of its color.

Description

Much is known about the clown fish; it lives in salty and warm waters(in oceans and seas). On Latin the name sounds like Amphiprioninae, belongs to the Pomacentra family. Today there are 30 species. Color can vary from purple, yellow to fiery orange and even red.

This is a very brave amphiprion, always fiercely defends itself and its home. It can even engage in combat with a diver, biting him as soon as he approaches the fish. At the same time, it has several completely non-sharp and very small teeth.

All the fish at the beginning life path are males and change sex as they grow if a female dies in the flock. Males are much smaller in size. The maximum size of a female is 20 centimeters. In an aquarium, fish usually do not grow more than 9 centimeters.

All fish have a flattened body on the sides, a short head and a high back. There are spines on the front of the upper fin. The head of the school of fish is the largest female.

Natural enemies include sharks, eels and other large fish.

Lifestyle

Distinctive feature This representative of the deep sea is that it creates a unique symbiosis with sea anemone (anemone). Sea anemones are marine animals without a skeleton and similar in appearance to a flower. The tips of the anemone's tentacles contain poisonous threads. When necessary, when defending against an enemy, sea anemones shoot poison.

When a clown fish first “meets” its anemone, it allows itself to be stung a little. This determines the composition of the mucus that covers the “flower” and which it produces in order to avoid poisoning itself. Subsequently, the fish produces a similar composition of mucus and hides from uninvited guests among the tentacles of the anemone.

For both creatures, the union is beneficial: the fish hides from enemies and sometimes brings food, and the anemone ventilates the water and cleanses the “flower” of food that is not digested. If several fish gather around one sea anemone, then a clear hierarchy is formed among them. The largest individual, the female, is dominant. As soon as it disappears, the largest male changes sex and takes the place of the main fish.

Habitats and lifespan

IN natural environment clown fish lives in the waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. You can meet it near the coasts of Japan and Polynesia, in eastern Africa and on the reefs of Australia, in the Red Sea. The main thing is that the waters are warm and clean. Although today, even with the existing environmental disaster, the fish is not an endangered species.

In ocean waters, the fish lives up to 10 years. If kept in an aquarium, it can live 20 years. After all, in artificial reservoir the fish has no enemies.

Food in natural living conditions

The sea clown fish is mostly content with what the current brings, since it does not swim far from its habitat. The diet contains algae and plankton. Often fish pick up what the sea anemone didn’t eat, and these are leftovers small fish ok, which the anemone could not digest.

Spawning in natural waters

Clown fish lay their eggs on almost any flat surface, but not far from the sea anemone. The male takes care of the younger generation. The transformation into fry from eggs occurs completely depending on the phases of the moon in complete darkness after 7-10 days from the moment of laying eggs.

The aquarium clown fish is very popular among aquarists. She is loved for bright color and quite interesting behavior that can be observed for several hours. In addition, the fish is completely unpretentious, but when kept in an artificial reservoir, it very quickly becomes aggressive, so it cannot be kept with any type of fish for aquariums.

Before buying an amphiprion, you need to plant an anemone in the aquarium; you will need several corals so that the fish can create a symbiosis and hide somewhere. This is not the smallest representative depths of the sea, therefore, to maintain one individual you will need at least 50 liters of water, and preferably 70. The water temperature should not fall below 25 degrees, and it will have to be changed at least 4 times a month.

Diet in the aquarium

What does a clown fish eat in an aquarium? Ideally, it is best to feed with brine shrimp, remains of sea fish or squid, shrimp. Spirulina and seaweed will do. The fish accepts dry food for aquarium fish well.

Feeding should be done at least 3 times a day. In this case, food is given in small portions. You cannot pour a lot of food into the aquarium so that the food does not begin to rot and the composition of the water does not deteriorate.

Reproduction in artificial conditions

Spawning of the fish necessarily occurs in the evening, namely Moonlight activates male behavior. To lay eggs, you need to arrange a place. This could be a clay pot or saucer near the anemone. The place where spawning will take place must be clean. Egg throwing lasts for 2 hours. As soon as the laying has occurred, it is better to turn off the lighting for about a day.

After spawning, the male takes care of the eggs, removes dead ones and protects them from unwanted guests. As soon as the fry is born, it is already able to feed on its own. In the first week of life, it is impossible to determine the future color of the fish; it appears only 7 days after birth.

If the aquarium contains other types of fish, then it is advisable to remove the fry so that they do not get eaten. You can feed the younger generation the same as adults. There are special requirements for water quality, since this representative of the deep sea childhood especially susceptible to various diseases: bacterial and fungal infections.

Compatibility

Clown fish are quite demanding of their surroundings. Under no circumstances should this species be kept with predators: imperial perches, moray eels and groupers. It is not recommended to mix different types of amphiprion in one artificial reservoir.

The most common aquarium species

Clark chocolate. It is very easy to keep and produces offspring well. The most best couples are obtained from one brood. It is not recommended to keep this species with smaller clownfish, as they can be very aggressive towards them.

"Snowflake". It has three white lines vertically and is red-orange. It grows up to 9 centimeters, so you need a minimum aquarium volume of 80 liters. Usually it does not show aggression and can live even without sea anemones.

Black is a small fish, not aggressive. Cohabits well with other species of aquarium fish.

Mauritanian. The only clown of its kind that has side spikes. These individuals are quite large, stretch up to 17 centimeters, and are very aggressive. With age, the color gradually turns from red and brown to black. In many ways, such changes depend on the composition of the food. Vertical stripes can be white or golden. The presence of sea anemones in the aquarium is not necessary.

The uniqueness of the fish: interesting facts

There are a considerable number of Amphiprion - this is the only creature of all those that can live in an aquarium and can “talk”, or rather, make interesting sounds, clicking and even grumble a little.

The presence of protective mucus, similar to that contained in sea anemones, allows the clownfish to live where other fish fall prey to this sea “flower”. Some biologists argue that the grinding process between the two is completely different types can last several hours until the clown recreates identical mucus as that of his future “mistress”.

The union of a clown and an anemone is not a whim, but a necessity. Amphiprion swims very poorly, and the poisonous tentacles of the “patron” allow it to protect itself from enemies. In addition, the fish lays eggs under the sea anemone.

In turn, the amphiprion not only ventilates the tentacles and removes the remains of undigested food, aerates the water, but also protects the sea anemone from the butterfly fish. After a series of studies, it was found that anemones are killed by butterfly fish within 24 hours if there is no clown nearby to drive them away.

Interesting fact: the clown fish is a brave individual, but it never swims more than one meter from its “patron”. The bravest females. Typically, protection is carried out by females, although all fry are born males. This species of inhabitants of the deep sea has pronounced consistent hermaphroditism. If a female dies, the male takes her place and turns into a female. In the society of clowns, complete matriarchy reigns.

The uniqueness of the fish is that the laying of eggs always occurs during the full moon, and the fry appear only in the dark. A stable population is achieved due to the fact that after birth, the fish are completely ready for independent life.

The fish knows how to control the process of its own growth, slow it down or, on the contrary, speed it up. If an amphiprion grows rapidly, causing dissatisfaction with its relatives, then it can completely stop the growth process, so as not to be expelled from the flock.

Many, even experienced, aquarists who want to keep and breed sea ​​fish OK, have little understanding of the differences between a freshwater and a saltwater aquarium.

Marine fish, which includes clown fish, are more demanding on the composition of the water and living conditions.

Therefore, of particular importance for the marine aquarium are:

• special pumps with oxygen enrichment function, ensuring water movement in all areas;
• sea ​​water filters;
• skimmers;
• proper maintenance, which is much more difficult than freshwater aquariums.

These fish are very beautiful with their memorable appearance and bright colors.

In nature life cycle Their lifespan is 10 years; clown fish in an aquarium live 2 times longer. They are born males, after which the largest individuals become females. When she dies, one of the males changes sex and takes the place of the deceased.

Their maximum size– 11 cm, average – 7 cm. Body shape – in the form of a torpedo. The head has a convexity similar to that of a frog. The hard dorsal fin contains 10, the soft - about 14 - 17 rays. The color of fish of any age is the same: thick black stripes alternating with orange or red and white. The fins have a black border. The iris of the eyes is bright orange. The color of the entire body can range from bright orange to red and yellow. Females are larger (1 cm) and aggressive. In the pack they are the leaders. There are about 26 subspecies of fish with different stripe shapes and shades.

The preferred habitat in captivity is corals and sea anemones. The tentacles of the latter contain stinging cells and serve as protection for clown fish. Receiving burns from sea anemones, they quickly begin to produce enveloping mucus and become insensitive to the poison. At the same time, they clean the sea anemones from dirt and carry out water ventilation among the tentacles (symbiosis). The fish live one at a time, several at a time, or in small schools.

Reproduction

Each flock contains a breeding pair and several males who are not capable of breeding. Their role is unknown. Spawning occurs within two hours in the evening in accordance with the lunar cycle, which stimulates the activity of males. During this period, the aquarium lighting should be turned off from 22 to 23 pm. Eggs are laid at a water temperature of 26 degrees under sea anemones, and in their absence - in a grotto or coral. The male guards and cares for the eggs, removing eggs that are not fertilized. Occasionally the female helps him in guarding. The number of eggs depends on its age and fatness and ranges from 400 to 1500. The larvae appear after 7–10 days and feed on plankton. After 8 - 12 days they set out in search of sea anemones.

The aquarium clown fish is kept in a marine aquarium. For one pair of fish, 50 - 70 liters of water with a density of 1.022 - 1.025 and a pH of 8.1 - 8.3 is enough. The water temperature should be between 25 - 27 degrees. Up to 10% of water must be changed 4 times a month, or 20% - twice a month. In order for the fish to hide, it is necessary to place corals and grottoes on the bottom of the aquarium. It is highly advisable to plant sea anemones before their settlement. You can feed shrimp, squid, shellfish, frozen mixtures of algae and meat several times a day in small portions.

Compatibility and diseases

Clowns are peace-loving fish.

However, in the struggle for a place in the sea anemone, they become very aggressive, especially females. Clown fish gets along well with blennies, cardinals, gobies, chromis, butterfly fish.

For successful development and reproduction it is necessary:

• keep clown fish in pairs, in a school, and especially aggressive ones – separately;
• they can be kept in the same aquarium with fish of other genera and species of comparable sizes that are not predatory;
• maintain aquarium hygiene.

The Aqua-Sto company employs specialists with extensive experience in the manufacture of marine aquariums. We provide one-time and subscription services for aquariums by qualified specialists.

Amphiprion - Amphiprion

Amphiprion or “clownfish” are widely known in the marine aquarium hobby. Perhaps today we can say that this is the most popular of the saltwater aquarium fish. The fact of symbiosis of these magnificent fish with marine coelenterates - anemones - is well known. Brightly colored amphiprions (usually their color consists of white, black, yellow contrasting stripes and spots on a red, orange or golden background) constantly stay close to “their” sea anemones, without moving away from them at a great distance.

A small fish of the genus Amphiprion became famous thanks to the Walt Disney film studio and their cartoon about the underwater inhabitant Nemo. After the release of the cartoon, this name became almost a household name for the entire genus of amphiprion.
These fish are one of the most common inhabitants of marine aquariums. Depending on the type of fish, it may have different colors. Because of bright colors Amphiprions were nicknamed clown fish. Its main habitat is the Indo-Pacific basin.

When a predator or other danger approaches, they find shelter among the numerous tentacles surrounding the anemone's oral disc. These tentacles are known to be armed with stinging threads - nematocysts and represent mortal danger for small fish.

This rather extensive genus (various sources list from 12 to 28 species of amphiprions) belongs to the Pomacentridae family. Aquariums most often contain Amphiprion ocellaris, A. clarkii, A. perideraion, A. tridnctus, A. melanopus.
One or a pair of amphiprions maintains a permanent symbiosis with one or more sea anemones, chosen by them as a “home”. Before the symbiosis of amphiprion and sea anemone takes shape, the so-called “acquaintance” occurs. Amphiprion is slowly accustoming the sea anemone to its company. “Acquaintance” lasts 2-3 minutes, and after this the sea anemone no longer shows any aggression towards the amphiprion. During this process, the fish perceives a protective substance that is formed in the glands of the sea anemone and enters directly into the stinging cells of the tentacles, and develops immunity to it. This substance protects the sea anemones themselves from their own tentacles and, in addition, allows them to organize their territory. Clown fish mix this “chemical camouflage” with their own mucus, and the sea anemone ceases to perceive them as food. Naturally, the chemical composition of the skin mucus of amphiprions becomes individual after such manipulations and changes depending on which sea anemone it is “friends” with. If the fish are deprived of this protective film, they will immediately become easy prey for “their” anemone.

Amphiprions can be safely recommended to beginning marine aquarists as one of the easiest fish to keep. “Clown fish” are unpretentious in feeding, they quickly eat up, do not spit out food, and do not leave behind half-eaten pieces that can spoil the water (they are eaten by sea anemones). Amphiprion waste is minimal, so the water purification system may be somewhat simpler than for other coral reef inhabitants. Amphiprions are very picky about the composition of their food and eat almost everything edible that fits into their mouth. Feed should be given in small quantities several times a day.

The popular belief that the amphiprion specifically feeds its sea anemone is more of a legend. This myth is caused by the feeding behavior of the amphiprion: having grabbed a piece of food, it immediately hides in an anemone, where it eats it. But those pieces that remain after his meal, what falls out of his mouth, go to the sea anemone. That is, feeding an anemone by a clownfish is rather an unintentional act. But the sea anemone, of course, doesn’t care, and thus it also receives its benefits from the symbiosis. Another benefit is that the movement of amphiprions among the sea anemone's tentacles creates a current of water that removes detritus and secretions from its oral disc.
The type of sea anemone (and the diversity of these coelenterates on reefs is simply colossal) is also of no small importance for the amphiprion. For a home, they prefer sea anemones from the group of giant anemones with long, thick, densely spaced tentacles, which are more convenient as shelters.
It is interesting to observe fearless amphiprions in the embrace of perhaps the most toxic of all anemones kept in aquariums - the green carpet anemone (Stichodactyla haddoni). This sea anemone is capable of killing even very large fish, but will never touch its amphiprion. The carpet anemone, unlike most other anemones, is capable of killing fish not only through direct contact with the tentacles, but also at a distance, throwing out its stinging cells at a distance of up to 10 cm. There are cases when fish (even quite large ones) swimming past the carpet sea ​​anemones at a considerable distance died within half an hour from the action of its stinging cells. A person touching a carpet anemone experiences a sensation akin to a nettle burn, but its poison does not pose any danger to humans. One of the few natural symbionts of carpet anemones are anemone crabs (Petrolisthes ohshimai, Neopetrolisthes maculatus and other related species). They, of course, like amphiprions, also prefer a less poisonous symbiont, however, the green carpet anemone is quite suitable for them as a place of residence.

If there is no anemone at all in an aquarium with amphiprions, they are able to choose for life another sessile invertebrate that is more or less similar to it, for example, a hard coral - goniopora lobato or a mushroom-shaped leathery soft coral (Sarcophyton). Amphiprion ocellaris can even live in the folds of the mantle of a large bivalve mollusk- tridacni.

Amphiprions are hermaphrodites. In nature, one sea anemone usually contains a couple of adult fish and two or three small ones. The most big fish- the female, the next in size, is the active male, but small fish do not have a specific sex. If a female dies, her place is taken by a male, who changes sex and increases in size quite quickly. One of the small fish becomes the active male. If the active male dies, one of the small fish also takes his place. This feature of amphiprions can be successfully used in aquarium keeping: it is enough to put two individuals of different sizes in an aquarium, and over time you will get a male and a female. By the way, amphiprions are one of the few marine fish whose breeding has been successfully mastered by amateurs. In our country, amphiprions have been successfully bred for almost a quarter of a century. The pioneer of this business was the most famous specialist of the late 20th century, the author of the classic work “Sea Aquarium at Home” Dmitry Nikolaevich Stepanov (see “Fish farming”, 1985, No. 4). colored sand anemones from the genus Radianthus, amphiprions, as a rule, do not settle. Amphiprions also avoid symbiosis with Atlantic anemones, for example (Condylactis passiflora), proving the fact that the Atlantic is not the habitat of clownfish.
The content of amphiprions is not special labor. The density of the water should be about 1.022, and the salt content should be at 34.5 r/l. Since clownfish and sea anemones are inhabitants of warm tropical seas, they prefer temperatures of 26-30 °C. An aquarium with amphiprions must be equipped with a high-quality biological filter. The soil is coral sand with a particle diameter of 3-5 mm, located in a layer no less than 7 cm thick. The flow of water from the filter outlet should be directed towards the sea anemone, which will create for it favorable conditions. In order for algae to grow well in an aquarium, you need strong lighting for 12-16 hours a day. At least once a month (or better yet, weekly), it is necessary to replace 20-25% of the water with fresh artificially prepared water. sea ​​water the same composition, density and pH as that in the aquarium. The aquarium should be kept clean by promptly removing detritus from the ground with a siphon.
Amphiprions are often kept in marine aquariums small and ultra-small volume - 150, 120, even 80-100 liters. However, we do not advise beginners to do this. Such a small aquarium, compared to a reef aquarium of a “traditional marine” volume (from 300-350 liters or more), requires more careful care and attention to itself. Water parameters (temperature, salinity, pH, nitrogen content in various forms, macro- and microelements) in it easily shift in one direction or another from the norm, the balance in a small volume is unstable. However, if everything is done correctly, amphiprions will not experience any inconvenience in a small aquarium, and you and your children will be happy to watch most interesting behavior"Nemo fish" living in the tentacles of sea anemones.

Amphiprions

Brightly colored amphiprions are the “living jewels” of coral reefs. They swim among the stinging tentacles of sea anemones, which do not harm them.

Row- Perciformes
Family- Pomacentral
Genus/Species- Amphiprion

Basic data:
DIMENSIONS
Length: depending on the type, 6-12 cm.

REPRODUCTION
Spawning: in tropical waters throughout the year.
Caviar: large quantities.
Incubation period: 4-5 days.

LIFESTYLE
Habits: stay in pairs; symbiosis with sea anemones.
Food: remains of fish eaten by sea anemones.
Lifespan: 3-5 years.

RELATED SPECIES
The most common species of pomacentres are the clownfish (Amfiprion percula), the perch-like amphiprion (A. ocellaris), the two-lined amphiprion (A. bicinctus), the pomacentrus (Pomacentrus coeruleus) and many others.

Amphiprions belong to a group of small, brightly colored fish called “coral fish.” These coral reef dwellers have developed a special, rather dangerous, symbiotic relationship with sea anemones.

Amphiprions live next to sea anemones and have a symbiotic relationship with them. Sometimes they leave the safe tentacles of “their” sea anemone and go on a short journey along the coral reef. However, they never move far from their protector because their bright colors quickly attract the attention of other fish, which begin to hunt them.

The fish, fleeing from its pursuer, rushes “into the arms” of “its” sea anemone. The pursuer who swims after the escaped fish usually becomes a victim of the sea anemone, which immediately paralyzes him with its poison. Then the sea anemone digests the fish, and the amphiprion feeds on the remains of this prey.
In addition, amphiprions also eat planktonic crustaceans and algae growing on coral reefs. These fish clean the sea anemone from waste and debris, remove dead parts of the tentacles and other contaminants.

AMPHIPRIONS AND HUMANS.

These fish were too small for humans to be interested in them as a source of food. For many millennia they swam calmly among coral reefs. IN Lately Amphiprions have become popular among aquarium hobbyists. In Europe and America, collectors pay large sums of money for them, preferring brightly colored species. One of the most numerous species is the clown fish (Amphiprion percula). This is the smallest of the amphiprions. It reaches only 6 cm in length. Clown fish - orange color with three white stripes with a black border. Interestingly, the mucus of the clown fish has an effect on jellyfish - they immediately “turn off” their stinging cells. In places where fishermen “visit” large colonies of these fish, they catch the most expensive species, almost everywhere on the entire reef. The sea anemones that gave them shelter are also destroyed. Nowadays, in many countries the fishing of these fish is prohibited. Although amphiprions are small, they attract scuba divers: tourists and nature lovers. Perhaps thanks to tourism these beautiful fish and will be saved.

REPRODUCTION.

Most amphiprions spawn on coral reefs near “their” sea anemone.
Amphiprions spawn on coral rocks or at the bottom of the sea, if possible, along with “their” sea anemone, the tentacles of which provide their eggs with reliable protection. Sticky eggs are glued to the stones in groups. The male takes care of their safety in the future. In some species of amphiprions, the father is in charge also by “raising” the fry until they are old enough to find their own sea anemone. Otherwise, the juveniles are carried by the tide to the coast, where they remain until they reach sexual maturity.

FEATURES OF THE DEVICE.

Previously, scientists believed that clownfish and other representatives of this family simply have an innate immunity to the poison that is secreted by the tentacles of sea anemones. But studies have shown that such immunity is produced and maintained in a special way only to one specific type of sea anemone. When the fish approaches the polyp's tentacles for the first time, it touches them lightly and immediately swims away. This process is repeated several times. During this “training”, the fish’s body becomes covered with a layer of sticky mucus, becoming insensitive to its stinging cells. When, in this way, the fish gets used to one anemone, it does not get burned, swimming in the middle of the tentacles. On the contrary, it tries to rub against them every time. But if the fish ends up among the tentacles of another type of sea anemone, it may die immediately.

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

Amphiprions rake with their pectoral fins not only when swimming forward, but also when moving backward. If the protective layer of mucus on the fish's body decreases, the stinging cells of the sea anemone's tentacles will scorch it. The clown fish owes its name to its color: white stripes with a black border on an orange background. Most amphiprions live only among the tentacles of sea anemones, for example, from the genus Stoichactis or Discosoma.

AMPHIPRIONS AND ANEMONES.

Amphiprions: that spend most of their lives among the tentacles actinium, attract other species of fish to them, which the sea anemones feed on.
Amphiprions drive away other fish, even members of their own family, from sea anemones. Driving away butterfly fish Chelmon rostratus provide a huge service to sea anemones. This fish is a threat to them because it bites the tips of the tentacles into the sea anemone.

All of the above is just the fruit of observing this type of aquarium fish and collecting various information from owners and breeders. We would like to share with visitors not only information, but also with live emotions, allowing you to penetrate the world of aquariums more fully and subtly. Register on, participate in discussions on the forum, create profile topics where you will talk about your pets in the first person and first-hand, describe their habits, behavior and content, share with us your successes and joys, share and learn from experience others. We are interested in every bit of your experience, every second of your joy, every awareness of a mistake, which makes it possible for your comrades to avoid the same mistake. The more of us there are, the more pure and transparent drops of goodness there are in the life and everyday life of our seven billion society.

Amphiprion video compilation

Many of us are unusually strongly attracted to undersea world. And even if in front of us is only a small particle of it in the form of an ordinary aquarium, it still looks beautiful and incomprehensible. A glass vessel in which graceful fish move freely, in which there are small grottoes, driftwood, and algae, very quickly begins to be perceived as a decoration for the entire house. And often among the inhabitants of the aquarium you can find a clown fish.

Surely, most people are familiar with aquarium clowns from the well-known cartoon “Finding Nemo”. And it should be noted that it was this Disney work that gave impetus to a new surge in the popularity of this amazing fish.

general description

In general, the clown fish lives in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, in their coastal coral reefs. Clowns have very bright and attractive colors to us: their entire body is decorated with orange, white, and black stripes. The clown also has fins edged with black, a rather dense body and a short head. The back is crowned with a fin divided into 2 parts.

Clowns have one interesting distinctive feature. The fact is that these fish constantly make clicking sounds, as if they were grumbling.

It is noteworthy that in its natural habitat this fish “cooperates” very well with poisonous sea anemones. sea ​​anemones. What does “joint activity” mean? The bright clown attracts predators and lures them to the sea anemone, and then is content with the remains of food.

Since anemones give clownfish a sense of security, anemones are usually stocked in the aquarium. When their number is small, the stronger fish begin to crowd out the weaker ones. However, keeping this fish is possible without sea anemones: if the aquarium has grottoes and other shelters. Let's talk in more detail about how to ensure proper maintenance of a clown at home.

Proper care

A clownfish located in an aquarium requires special care. Let's note the main points:

• First of all, aquarium fish only accept good quality water. The clown can't stand it increased level nitrites;
• It is important to consult with a specialist before adding such a fish to an aquarium. The fact is that certain species in an aquarium begin to show aggression due to space restrictions;
• It is advisable to place a couple in the aquarium, and an already established one. Then they will most likely reproduce. The maintenance of these inhabitants also presupposes their cohabitation with non-aggressive neighbors;
• In an aquarium whose volume does not exceed 100 liters, it is undesirable to place more than 2 fish.

In addition to the above, it is also important to pay attention to the basic parameters that must be observed in the aquarium:

• optimal temperature regime– this is about 25-27 degrees above zero;
• acidity should be within 8-8.4;
• and density is 1.020-1.025.

In addition, aquarium clowns require sufficient lighting. The water in the aquarium is replaced by 20% twice a month.

The clown is absolutely unpretentious in food, which allows you to feed it shrimp, squid, fish, as well as algae, dry flakes and granules. The flock is fed 2 or 3 times a day.

Reproduction issues

All clowns are male at birth, they just can change their gender later. This is very interesting: each group of fish has its own dominant pair. This pair is two large fish that are engaged in reproduction. And if suddenly the female dies, the male will simply change sex and look for another mate.

The female clownfish lays eggs among sea anemones. In their absence in the aquarium (or in the ocean, if we talk about the natural environment), spawning occurs under a rock or in a grotto. It should be noted that parents are very protective of the place where eggs are laid. After approximately 8-10 days, hatching begins. Aquarium fry should be removed from the general aquarium for some time. You can do this calmly, as there is no effect on the growth and development of the fish. this procedure does not provide.

This is how unusual it is aquarium fish, considered by us. It should be noted that clowns are often chosen by aquarists precisely because they are interesting and entertaining. You might also like these fish.