Few images are more iconic of coral reef ecosystems than an orange clownfish (Amphiprion percula) nestled among the tentacles of its mutualistic partner, the sea anemone (Figure 1a). Popularized as the Disney character, “Nemo,” clownfish are more than a charismatic on- screen presence. Among biologists, they are an ecological and evolutionary research model, shedding light on everything from social organization (Wong, Uppaluri, Medina, Seymour, & Buston, 2016) to mutualisms (Schmiege, D'Aloia, & Buston, 2017). Now, clownfish have yet another reason to be in the spotlight.
Journal: Molecular ecology resources
DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12964
Year: 2019