Wonder How The “Nemo” Clownfish Get Their White Stripes!

Japan, May 27: The beautiful “Finding Nemo” fame clownfish, Amphiprion percula, are noted for their distinct white stripes. It is during the process of metamorphosis from larva to adult that they turn from yellow to bright orange and develop three white bars in succession from head to tail. They have a symbiotic relationship (a relationship where two organisms benefit each other) with sea anemones. The anemones provide the clownfish protection and shelter, while the clownfish provides nutrients to the anemone in the form of waste. Researchers in their recent study have found that the rate at which the bars form depends on the sea anemone that they live with. Those living in the long-tentacled anemone (Heteractis magnifica) have few white stripes than those living in the shorter, carpet-style anemone (Stichodactyla gigantea). They also tried to find out what drives these differences and found that the level of thyroid hormones were higher in those where the stripes formed faster.