Sex change in clownfish

• The process in which a male turns into a female later in its life is known as protandrous sequential hermaphroditism, or protandry.
• Clownfish are part of the genus of Amphiprion which consists of 30 species of fish, all living in or near sea anemones.
• The symbiotic relationship (meaning mutually beneficial) between fish and anemone is fascinating. The anemones' stinging cells protect the fish from predators, while at the same time, the constant swimming around of the fish circulates the water, and with that supplies oxygen to the anemone.

• What do you call animals that live in groups led by females? Can you think of other animals that do the same? List them.
• Research another three pairs of Australian species (animals, plants, fungi etc.) that live in a symbiotic relationship.
• The opposite of protandry is known as protogyny and involves animals starting life as a female and later developing into a male. Identify some advantageous and disadvantages for either of these forms of sequential hermaphroditism.

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