Does the Anemone or Clownfish Host?

[GeorgeMonnatJr]

It seems a simple question, and I'm honestly not trying to be a smartass or jerk. I've seen people post things like, "I want my clown to host an anemone." I've seen that a lot, so I've been questioning my original assumption that the anemone is the host.

I've always seen that the anemones are the host in articles, like the one linked from this forum's Clownfish & Anemones FAQ thread. Online sites (like here and here) usually say that the anemone is the host.

After seeing numerous posts where people referred to the clownfish as the host, I started doubting myself. I thought, "Well, the homeowner is the host when guests are there, not the home itself." Which is it? I'm still a newb and want to sound as less stupid as possible when I talk about these things with knowledgeable reefers.

- Thanks.

 

[Mabyboi]

I always say its the clownish hosting the anemone... But I guess they could be hosting each other?

 

[cichlidconvert]

Anemone's are the host. Alot of people say it's the clown that hosts. Think of it this way using your analogy. If the house were alive would they not be the host then?

 

[hvacman250]

Anemone's are the host. Alot of people say it's the clown that hosts. Think of it this way using your analogy. If the house were alive would they not be the host then?

Correct. The anemone is allowing the clown to "live" in itself.
Therefore, the anemone is hosting the clownfish. The clown is the guest.

 

[JeF4y]

Yep.. Consider it a house party. Which one is visiting/guest, and which one is the "host"?

The nem isn't getting up and walking over to molest the crap out of the clowns now are they?

 

[Ostara]

The nem isn't getting up and walking over to molest the crap out of the clowns now are they?

I lol'd. You never can tell with those anemones. :worried:

The anemone is definitely the host. To be correct you can say that the clowns are "associating" with it. However, I think most people just find it easier to say that the clowns host. Occasionally I get lazy and say it that way myself. :lol:

 

[Maaka]

I understand all that. But what about when clownfish choose powerheads and flowerpots as homes. are they hosting it or is it hosting them, or is it just called something else all together?

 

[D-Nak]

No matter what the clownfish is using, whether it be an anemone or an object, the fish is always the guest. It doesn't own a home so it's never the host. ;-)

 

[Maaka]

Cool thank you.

 

[Tmoriarty]

Clowns - Associate

Nems/Powerheads/mushrooms/tankcorners - Host

The misunderstanding is common and something I was guilty of early on, but was promptly corrected. "Clowns associate with their host anemones" is properly written.

I am sure everyone who knows the difference appreciates you asking the question , I am guilty of the mixup when lazy as well.