ADAPTIVE FUNCTION OF CLOWNFISH COLOUR PATTERNS
MEXICO
The clownfish-sea anemone symbiosis is an iconic member of Indo-Pacific coral reefs due, in large part, to its colour, charismatic behaviors, and cinematic popularity. Scientifically, the clownfish-sea anemone symbiosis is now considered a model system to test a wide range of scientific hypotheses across the biological sciences, including areas such as evolutionary biology, behavioural ecology, climate change, reproduction, population connectivity, and conservation, among others.
An experienced marine biologist with 15 years of expertise in tropical field research on coral reef mutualisms is leading a project to explore key mysteries surrounding clownfish color patterns. Recent discoveries have revealed a direct link between these color patterns and the host sea anemones they inhabit. The research hypothesizes that color serves a protective function and influences how clownfish interact with their hosts. Project activities will include SCUBA diving from a tender, as well as sample collection and processing, to further investigate the evolutionary significance and function of these unique color patterns.
LOCATIONS
Great Barrier Reef,
Fiji
Marshall Islands
Philippines
New Caledonia
Solomon Islands
Seychelles
Maldives
DATES & BERTHS
4-6 berths
May - January 2026
ACTIVITIES
1. Underwater videography to study clownfish behaviour in their primary host anemones
2. Colour-calibrated underwater photography to test whether specialist clownfish species have evolved colours and patterns that allow them to blend into their anemone hosts
3. Detailed genomic analysis of the host anemone to identify previously undescribed species of anemones and test whether the relationships between clownfish and anemone hosts are more co-evolved than previously thought