Damselfish

In order to avoid predators, many of these colorful fish have adapted to live among the deadly stinging tentacles of sea anemones.

Some members of damselfish family have a unique relationship with certain sea anemones, for they are able to dart away from predators and hide among the anemones’ stinging tentacles. This is made feasible resulting from the fact that the fish have exceptional chemicals in the covering of defensive bodily fluid on their figures. This makes them immune to the anemones’ stings.

In return, damselfish may also lead potential food near the host, so the fish feed on the anemone’s leftovers. The aggression of these fish may also be sufficient to drive away much larger species, ensuring that the anemone itself is not attacked.

Changing Sex

In birds and mammals, whether they are male or female is fixed by genes. This can be different in fish. Environmental factors such as water temperature, the chemical nature of the water, and the social structure within a group of fish all have an influence in deciding the gender.

Among damselfish, the most expansive fish in a bunch is always female. She maintains her “top” status by bullying the smaller individuals in the group, all of which are males. If she is killed, however, the next largest individual changes into a female. This is feasible being as how these fish have both male and female sex organs. In the presence of a dominant female, only the male organs develop in the others.