Clownfish Genetics Calculator
Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the key aspects of clownfish genetics:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Amphiprioninae |
| Species | There are about 30 recognized species of clownfish. |
| Habitat | Warm waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including the Red Sea and Great Barrier Reef. |
| Color Variations | Typically orange with white bands, but can also be black, yellow, and variations depending on species. |
| Symbiosis | Have a mutualistic relationship with sea anemones. |
| Sex Determination | Protandrous hermaphrodites (all individuals are born male; the dominant male can become female). |
| Dominance Hierarchy | Social structure in which the largest and most dominant fish is the breeding female, followed by the breeding male. |
| Reproductive Behavior | Pair bonding and egg laying on a flat surface near anemones; males tend to the eggs. |
| Egg Development | Eggs hatch in about 6-10 days depending on water temperature. |
| Larval Stage | Free-swimming larvae are planktonic for 8-12 days before settling into a host anemone. |
| Genetic Studies | Studies focus on genetics of color patterns, host anemone preferences, and speciation. |
| Color Pattern Genes | Multiple loci and alleles are involved, including possible regulatory genes influencing pigmentation. |
| Speciation | Genetic divergence influenced by geographic isolation and ecological niches. |