Nemo

Anemonefish, with 30 distinct species, are some of the ocean’s most iconic inhabitants and share an extraordinary partnership with sea anemones. This mutually beneficial relationship, or symbiosis, is a marvel of marine evolution. The anemone’s tentacles, armed with stinging cells called nematocysts, can paralyze most creatures that come too close. But anemonefish are an exception. Over time, they’ve evolved an immunity to these stings by coating themselves in a protective mucus layer. To maintain this immunity, they must regularly brush against the tentacles, a quirky ritual even highlighted in Disney’s Finding Nemo.
 
Living among the tentacles gives the fish a safe refuge from predators, but finding a home isn’t as simple as it looks. Sea anemones rely on chemical signals to decide whether to accept or reject an anemonefish, and these cues can vary depending on environmental conditions. But this partnership isn’t one-sided. Sea anemones benefit, too. Using subtle chemical signals, they can manipulate the anemonefish to "puppet" near their tentacles, luring unsuspecting prey close enough to sting and consume.
 
This relationship is a testament to the intricate balance of marine ecosystems, where every interaction plays a role in maintaining the vibrant life of coral reefs.