Clown fish excites Passions of Paradise crew
Nemo found: True clown anemone fish at Paradise Reef taken by Passions of Paradise passenger Cathy Robinson from the United States.
TOURIST Cathy Robinson's picture of a true clown anemone fish has tickled the fancy of the crew at Passions of Paradise.
They declared the US visitor's photograph the best in a Facebook competition for favourite underwater images out on the Reef.
General manager Scotty Garden said the crew voted for Ms Robinson's picture because it was the best amateur photograph they had seen of one of the Great Barrier Reef's most famous inhabitants.
"There are at least three different species of clown fish at Michaelmas Cay and about five at Paradise Reef, so our passengers are usually treated with a sighting of the Nemo look-alikes," he said.
Both Michaelmas Cay and Paradise Reef are home to many different kinds of clown fish that can easily found in the snorkelling areas including the Barrier Reef, Clark's, pink, spine-cheeked, true clown and red and black anemone fish.
"Nemo" Facts:
» Depending on species, clownfish are overall yellow, orange, reddish, or blackish, and many show white bars or patches. The largest reach a length of 18cm, while the smallest barely reach 10cm.
» Clownfish live in small groups inhabiting a single anemone. The group consists of a breeding pair, which co-habits with a few non-reproductive,"pre-pubescent" smaller male clownfish.
» When the female dies, the dominant male changes sex and becomes the female. This life history strategy is known as sequential hermaphroditism.
» It has also been suggested that the activity of the clownfish results in greater water circulation around the sea anemone.
» In addition to providing food for the clownfish, the sea anemone also provides safety due to its poison. The clownfish and anemone form a symbiotic relationship.
» Clownfish and certain damselfish are the only species of fish that can avoid the potent poison of a sea anemone.
More information about Passions of Paradise.
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