Mobility of Stichodactyla Gigantea Sea Anemones and Implications for Resident False Clown Anemonefish, Amphiprion Ocellaris

Abstract

For reef fishes that do not move between habitat patches following settlement, habitat selection is expected during settlement. Although false clown anemonefish, Amphiprion ocellaris, are sedentary following settlement, they are not especially discriminating during settlement, and are commonly found occupying anemones at which no apparent nest site exists. In this study I report on mobility of Stichodactyla gigantea sea anemones, including anemones with resident false clowns. I argue that anemone mobility can help explain why settling false clowns are not more discriminating: although the per annum probability of an anemone moving is low, the probability of that anemone moving over the course of a resident's life is considerably higher. Therefore, an anemone's current microhabitat may not be a good predictor of its microhabitat and suitability as a host in the future.