Question about Clown/nem relationship

[Crawdawg]

I see ppl stating that clowns host anemones, and vice versa. I'm far from an expert and not wanting to start a flamewar, but for the sake of discussion only, is there a host in a mutualistic relationship?

I did a quick search online, and the only mention I found of a host in symbiotic relationships referenced parasites.

Again, i'm not a marine biologist, or any scientist for that matter, just curious about the amount of time ppl refer to wanting their clown to host this or that, and being corrected, by ppl stating that the nem is the host.

Are either truly the host. They share a mutualistic relationship where both benefit.

I've never heard ppl state that either the goby or the pistol shrimp is the host, and the relationship is the same.

 

[Crazy fish eye]

I think your putting to much into the word host that people use. The nem gives the clowns a place to live and the clowns feed it and protect it. Why do people have to go so into what people say or do. Nothing better to do?

 

[Crawdawg]

Again, not trying to start a flame war, just curious, as some people here seem to be very specific. I'm not one of the people correcting others for how they use the word host. I was just curious if there truly was a right way. Even my lfs has a tank labeled host, and another labeled non host for their nems. As stated it was a question based on curiousity, nothing more. Just wondering if there was correct wording. Nothing more. Sorry if wanting to learn something qualifies as nothing better to do.

 

[garygb]

Host anemones are referred to as hosts because clownfish live in their tentacles and are often ensconced in the anemone. The host of a party is the one whose home people go into. At least that's how I look at it.

 

[elegance coral]

I view it as Gary, Todd, and many others do. The anemone plays host to many animals. Fish, shrimp, crabs, even sea cucumbers. It is the anemone that provides a home for these animals. Therefore, it is the host in the relationship. Just as a dog is the host of fleas. The type of relationship, mutualism, symbiotic, parasitic, is irrelevant. If you have a cute young lady come stay with you, it could be very mutualistic, and you would be the host. If she brought her angry, alcoholic mother with her, you would still be host to her, but the relationship would be much different. LOL.

 

[Firefish1]

"If you have a cute young lady come stay with you, it could be very mutualistic, and you would be the host. If she brought her angry, alcoholic mother with her, you would still be host to her, but the relationship would be much different"

:lmao::lol:

 

[nemoboy1]

Some nems are a natural host (house) for many types of clowns. Your local fish store might try to label them to warn you or if it's the same species of anemone, to make more money...

 

[Crawdawg]

Understandable. Thanks for responding.