Image 6-5
Damselfish in Anemone

These three-spot Dascyllus damselfish (Dascyllus trimaculatus) have adopted this large carpet anemone (as their new home. These damselfish are found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean from the Red Sea and East Africa, to the Pitcairn Islands, southern Japan, and Australia. They are closely related to clownfish. Both groups are known as anemonefish because of their ability to form close symbiotic bonds with sea anemones. The anemone provides protection for the fish and the fish help protect the anemone from predators and parasites.