Stichodactyla Helianthus - Caribbean Sun Carpet Anemone HOSTING clown fish.....

[Taipan]

I have just spent the last few hours lying down in front of my refugium trying not to make any sudden movements. My Caribbean Sun Anemone (Stichodactyla Helianthus) has begun hosting my clown fish. The clown fish has started to bond with it. I had noticed the behaviour last week but hadn't paid too much attention to it; until the clown fish began to swim INTO the anemone. Not beside it, hovering above it, or swimming close to it...but IN it. Please refer to the attached unedited, unfiltered pictures and video. This is a unique occurrence as you will note that this anemone is endemic to the Atlantic Ocean. I also believe that the sting/stickiness is much more aggressive when compared to others such as Haddoni.

This relationship/bond is still evolving and in its infancy I believe. Any sudden movements cause the clown fish to swim right back into the bubble tip anemone. I have observed during feedings that the clown fish will attempt to feed BOTH anemones with morsels of food as well. The clown fish will place food firmly into each anemone swimming between each one.

Proof anything can happen. :dance:

http://vimeo.com/56806223

 

[MikeInToronto]

I have just spent the last few hours lying down in front of my refugium trying not to make any sudden movements. My Caribbean Sun Anemone (Stichodactyla Helianthus) has begun hosting my clown fish. The clown fish has started to bond with it. I had noticed the behaviour last week but hadn't paid too much attention to it; until the clown fish began to swim INTO the anemone. Not beside it, hovering above it, or swimming close to it...but IN it. Please refer to the attached unedited, unfiltered pictures and video. This is a unique occurrence as you will note that this anemone is endemic to the Atlantic Ocean. I also believe that the sting/stickiness is much more aggressive when compared to others such as Haddoni.

This relationship/bond is still evolving and in its infancy I believe. Any sudden movements cause the clown fish to swim right back into the bubble tip anemone. I have observed during feedings that the clown fish will attempt to feed BOTH anemones with morsels of food as well. The clown fish will place food firmly into each anemone swimming between each one.

Proof anything can happen. :dance:

http://vimeo.com/56806223

Many years back I had an Atlantic anemone hosting a clarkii clown. I also had one hosting saddlebacks at another time. Neither of these are far-fetched, I suppose, considering clarkiis will take on any anemone and saddlebacks seem to take on any carpet-like anemone. At both times, the acclimation period was virtually non-existent. I don't know how rare it is for them to take ocellaris/percula-type clowns.

Eventually I took out the anemones based on other keepers' anecdotal evidence that the anemone will eventually kill the clown. I never saw it but I didn't want to take the chance; especially considering a Helianthus is kind of plain compared to true host species. It's also very sticky.

But congrats nonetheless!