Do you know about clownfishes?
Many of you may have heard of it since it became famous as the main character in Disney and Pixar's animation movie Finding Nemo released in 2003.
The clownfish is a very popular fish because of its adorable appearance.
Technically, Nemo's model is the “orange clownfish,” but many people call the ocellaris clownfish in Iriomote Island Nemo as well, because of the two species' similarities.
Finding Nemo is set in Australia's Great Barrier Reef, which is famous for its wide variety of creatures, but the sea of Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture, south of Japan, is not to be outdone.
There are six species of clownfishes living in Japan, and the sea of Iriomote Island is home to all six species!
Even if you do not dive deeply, you can see six kinds of clownfishes by snorkeling.
Of course, you can also observe them by diving.
This time, I, who live in Okinawa, will introduce six kinds of clownfishes you can see in Iriomote Island!
1. Tomato Clownfish
The “tomato clownfish” is the largest species of the genus tomato clownfish in Japan, growing up to 14 cm in length.
It is characterized by the appearance of a broad white transverse band on the head next to the eyes.
Females are larger and darker. Males are smaller and orange in color compared to females.
Most clownfish live in symbiosis with a lovely round-tipped anemone called the bubble-tip anemone.
They are said to be the most feisty of the clownfish genus, and will sometimes threaten to move away from the anemone when you point the camera at them.
Be careful not to offer your hand to them if you think they are friendly, as they may bite you.
2. Yellowtail Clownfish
The “yellowtail clownfish” is characterized by two white horizontal stripes on its body.
It has a bright orange body with a black back that becomes darker as it grows.
The tail fin is pale yellow, but the coloration varies depending on the individual and its habitat.
It lives in a wide variety of anemone species, including the leathery sea anemone.
3. Ocellaris Clownfish
The ocellaris clownfish is a popular clownfish known in Japan as the model for Nemo.
It is probably the most famous clownfish in Japan, partly due to the influence of movies.
It is characterized by an orange body with three white horizontal bands bordered by black lines. The horizontal band around its round face makes it look cute when viewed from the front, like it is wearing a hachimaki headband.
The anemones with which they live together are mainly the “giant carpet anemone” and the “magnificent sea anemone.
The ocellaris clownfish's personality is relatively calm, quiet, and timid, and it will quickly hide in its anemone if it senses danger.
Their swimming style is fluffy as they wiggle their bodies, making them very adorable.
4. Yellow Clownfish
The "yellow clownfish" is characterized by a single white line on its back from its upper lip to its tail fin.
Its body is a dark orange color, and the anemone with which it coexists is mainly the Arabian anemone.
They are timid and rarely leave their anemone.
The yellow clownfish has a small population and is considered to be a rare species.
5. Pink Skunk Clownfish
The "pink skunk clownfish" is small and, as its name suggests, has a pale pink-orange color like the petals of a flower.
It is characterized by a single thin white line on its back and next to its eyes.
It is similar to the yellow clownfish, but the white line next to the eye is the key to distinguishing it from the other.
They are mainly found in the “leathery sea anemone” and are very docile.
6. Saddleback Clownfish
The “saddleback clownfish” is the rarest of all clownfish species.
It is about 12 cm in length, making it one of the larger species of clownfish.
It is characterized by a black body with a dark orange tip on the face, a thick white lateral band next to the eyes, and a white area on the back.
When viewed from above, this white part of the back is shaped like a heart, making it a cute attraction for divers.
A rare clownfish with a heart pattern on top, will sure make you happy when you come across it!
The heart bears mainly live in symbiosis with the “haddon's sea anemone” and the “long tentacle anemone” in the sandy bottom.
Let’s Go See the Clownfishes!
As you can see, Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture is inhabited by many kinds of clownfish.
Since “clownfishes” live in symbiosis with anemones, they are usually found in the same place, so you can see them every time if you keep the point in mind.
In many cases, guides and captains know where the clownfish live, so if you join a “snorkel tour,” you will have a high probability of encountering them.
*However, anemones are animals and can move at speeds of several centimeters per hour, so be aware that they do not always stay in the same place all the time.
The "ocellaris clownfish," "pink skunk clownfish," and "yellowtail clownfish" are relatively abundant and easy to spot.
Please come to Iriomote Island to see them!
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