Amazing Clownfish Teamwork | Blue Planet II | BBC Earth

Summary

In a captivating underwater scene, a family of saddleback clownfish thrives within the tentacles of a carpet anemone, immune to its poison. The dominant female and her hardworking male partner face the challenge of finding a safe place to lay eggs. Through teamwork, they secure a coconut shell amidst tidal currents, creating a nursery. The male's efforts in cleaning and fertilizing the eggs ensure the survival of their offspring, showcasing the symbiotic relationship and resilience of these marine creatures.

Takeaways

• 🐠 **Clownfish and Anemone Symbiosis**: Saddleback clownfish live in carpet anemones, which are poisonous to most creatures but not to the clownfish.
• 🏠 **Safe Shelter**: The tentacles of the anemone provide a safe home for the clownfish family, protecting them from predators.
• 🧹 **Mutual Benefit**: Clownfish clean the anemone of debris, which is beneficial for both parties in their symbiotic relationship.
• 👑 **Matriarchal Society**: The clownfish family is led by a dominant female, identified by her white face.
• 👨‍🌾 **Male's Role**: The male clownfish is tasked with housekeeping duties and finding a safe place for the female to lay eggs.
• 🥚 **Challenge of Egg Laying**: There is a lack of solid surfaces for the female clownfish to lay her eggs on in the sand flats.
• 🐚 **Shell Solution**: A nearby shell could serve as an ideal place for the female to lay eggs, but it is too heavy for the male to move alone.
• 🦀 **Hermit Crab Obstacle**: A hermit crab occupies the shell, complicating the male clownfish's efforts to use it for egg-laying.
• 🌊 **Tidal Influence**: Twice daily, tidal currents affect the anemone, bringing in potential new opportunities and challenges.
• 🥥 **Coconut Shell Alternative**: A coconut shell is considered as an alternative to the shell for the female to lay eggs.
• 👫 **Teamwork**: The male and female clownfish work together to move the coconut shell to the anemone for a safe nursery.
• 🌱 **Nursery Establishment**: Once the shell is in place, the female lays her eggs, and the male fertilizes them, ensuring the continuation of their species.
• 👶 **Parental Care**: The male clownfish takes on the responsibility of tending to the eggs, keeping them clean and healthy until they hatch in approximately 10 days.

Q & A

What type of fish family is mentioned in the script?

The script mentions the family of saddleback clownfish.

Where do the saddleback clownfish find a safe home?

The saddleback clownfish find a safe home within the tentacles of a carpet anemone.

Why are the clownfish immune to the poison of the anemone?

The script does not explicitly state why, but it is known that clownfish have a mucus layer that protects them from the anemone's stinging cells.

What do the clownfish do in return for the protection provided by the anemone?

In return, the clownfish keep the anemone clean of debris.

Who is the leader of the clownfish family?

The leader of the clownfish family is a big female with a white face, marking her as the boss.

What is the role of the male clownfish in the family?

The male clownfish works tirelessly, removing debris and generally keeping the home clean.

What is the male clownfish's greatest challenge?

The male clownfish's greatest challenge is to find a safe place for the female to lay her eggs.

What objects does the male clownfish consider for the female to lay eggs on?

The male clownfish considers a nearby shell and an old plastic bottle as potential places for the female to lay eggs.

Why does the male clownfish choose a coconut shell for the eggs?

The coconut shell looks just right for the female to lay her eggs, but it's a long way from home.

How do the clownfish move the coconut shell to the anemone?

The pair of clownfish work together to move the coconut shell to the protection of the anemone.

What happens once the coconut shell is placed under the anemone?

The female lays eggs in the coconut shell, creating a safe nursery, and the male fertilizes them.

What is the male clownfish's responsibility after the eggs are laid?

After the eggs are laid, the male meticulously tends to the eggs, keeping them clean and healthy until they hatch in 10 days.