In A Coral Reef Ecosystem Clown fish And Sea Anemones Live Together. What Type Of Relationship Do They Have?

There have been many theories as to the exact elements of the complex relationship between anemonefish and anemones. (I say anemonefish because a clownfish is really a clown anemonefish) Anemonefish live in the tentacles of the anemones and the tentacles protect them. They are also extremely territorial, and will defend the anemone at all costs. They also keep it clean and provide it food. The reason as to why anemonefish are never stung is still at large, although there are many theories about it. Some scientists say that the fish is covered in mucus, some say they build up an immunity, some say that the anemone recognizes it, etc. But either way, the relationship is called a mutualistic one, because both animals benefit.