New Nemos are found at aquarium
12:00pm Thursday 16th August 2012 in News
New Nemos are found at aquarium
Marine experts at Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium are celebrating finding their own Nemos after the arrival of eight captive-bred baby clownfish.
The tiny orange and white striped fish - exact miniature replicas of their parents - have become hugely popular worldwide following the release of the Disney blockbuster ‘Finding Nemo’.
Aquarists are also hoping a pair of adult clownfish, which were donated by a member of the public, could also start breeding soon.
Blue Reef’s Jenni Smith said: “Clownfish have always held a fascination with visitors, even before the film came out.
“I think people love the idea of a fish that is able to make its home among the stinging tentacles of sea anemones.
“However now virtually every person visiting the aquarium - especially those with young children asks to see them.
“I guess their bright colours and comical name also helps people relate to them Clownfish make their home among the stinging tentacles of sea anemones. Both species have a symbiotic relationship - the clownfish are protected from predators by the stinging tentacles and the anemone picks up scraps of food dropped by the fish.
The clownfish are thought to be able to survive among the venomous tentacles because they cover their bodies with a layer of mucous secreted by the anemone. The anemone then thinks the clownfish is another tentacle and doesn't sting it.
During breeding the eggs are laid close to the host anemone and cared for by the male who will often encourage the anemones tentacles to provide a protective canopy above the developing fish.
Clownfish fathers are so protective that they have even been known to attack divers who venture too close to their young.
