Clownfish live in a fascinating symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. The anemone's stinging tentacles protect the clownfish from predators, and in return the clownfish keeps the anemone clean and well-oxygenated.
A Slime That Saves Their Lives
Clownfish are not born immune to anemone stings. When a young fish first meets an anemone, it performs a delicate dance — brushing lightly against the tentacles to build up a protective mucus coating that mimics the anemone's own chemistry.
Get it wrong and the anemone eats them. Get it right and they have a stinging fortress for life.
Family Life in Our Reef Tank
Our reef tank hosts three breeding pairs, and their eggs — laid on flat rocks near the anemone — are one of the highlights of any behind-the-scenes tour. The male tends the eggs, fanning them with his fins to keep them oxygenated.
Curiously, all clownfish are born male. The largest becomes female, and if she dies, the next-largest male changes sex to take her place.
Personality Plus
Each of our clownfish has a distinct personality. Ndogo is bold and will nip at the cleaner's glove. Baba prefers to hide inside his anemone and glare. Mama is the boss of tank three and everyone knows it.
Visit Them
Come and watch them dart through the tentacles. It is impossible not to smile. Feeding sessions happen daily at 11am and 3pm — bring the kids and be ready for questions.
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