Critter Profile: Nemo the Clown Fish

In the Disney classic tale Finding Nemo, we are introduced a breed of fish that plays several roles in the vast ocean. Their beauty has the power to take our breaths away, and at the same time, they have the power save an important ocean c0-dweller from destruction and transform in ways unknown to man.


The following are several details on the clown fish that may surprise you:

- There are 28 species including the Skunk, Barrier Reef, Twoband, Mauritian, Tomato, Whitesnout, Madagascar, Pink Skunk and Saddleback.
- They live in small groups: within these groups are only one reproductive male & female. The rest of the fish in the group are non-reproductive.
- The beautiful fish lays eggs on flat surfaces and usually spawn during a full moon.
- When they are born, all clown fish are males. (So how do they mate?...you may be asking...) Some change their sex in order to mate. And...if a female dies during a mating session, another male will be promoted to female and will then change its sex. (what!? Yes, it's true!)
- Clown fish range in size from 4 to 7 inches as adults.
- They are omnivores, feeding off of algae, plankton, mollusks, and crustacean.
- Sea anemones are protected by clown fish because they feed on parasites that are harmful to anemones.
- Clown fish are one of two species that can survive the poison of sea anemones. A mucous membrane coats their bodies for protection.
- They prefer the warmer waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans.
- Find clown fish at these favorite dive & snorkel destinations: Great Barrier Reef, Red Sea, Fiji, Malaysia, Thailand, Maldives and Indonesia.

On your next snorkel or dive trip with clown fish...or in an aquarium...or Nemo on the big screen, be amazed! These lil' critters are truly heroes in their own right.

Want to win a free snorkel set? Be the first to tell us where Nemo's father finally rescued him, and you will be the winner of a Body Glove Professional Dive Set!

Go to the following link and fill out the simple form (please enter your answer into the phone number field of the form):
http://www.destinationwater.com/landing_page.asp

- Posted by Jen of CWIC

http://www.destinationwater.com/- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

Finding Revitalization in Today's Economy - How the Ocean Changed a Life

Times are tough for millions of Americans these days, and when stressed we tend to withdraw and cut back on the many activities that offer mind regeneration and health. I went through a lay off two years ago as a result of my company losing key accounts. I didn't quite know what to do, except that I immediately needed to scramble to find new work opportunities. I would begin each day by sending my resume - I'd eat lunch while sending out more - I'd fall asleep at night researching opportunities. For quite some time, I secluded myself in my home waiting for an answer to my dilemma. A couple weeks went by and I was spending nearly the whole day in my PJ's, checking my e-mail every few minutes, barely going outside or interacting with my friends and family.

Finally, I received a call from one of my best friends who chastised me for my behavior. "We live 10 minutes from the beach," he half yelled. "Come with me to the beach and get your life in gear." My answer was that I wasn't going to waste precious time playing at the beach. My friend Scott responded, "I won't take no for an answer...I'll be there in 20 minutes. Be ready."

I pulled my pathetic self up from my couch, pushed my computer aside and gave in. On the way out the door, I grabbed my bag and cell phone. Scott grabbed my cell phone out of my hand and threw it on my couch. "No cell phone," he said. "You are going to take a break."

We arrived to our favorite beach on that sunny California weekday with beach toys in hand. The sun was shining, sky blue, and a warm breeze blowing in from Catalina. I remember jumping in the ocean and instantly feeling revitalized - all of my worries and frustrations disappeared. At the end of the day, I was able to put things into perspective and slept like a child for the first time since being laid off.

Scott and I made it a point to get back to our beach for a few hours at least 2 times a week. During those moments we ran around like kids, took long swims, took our masks and snorkels to view local sea creatures, and enjoyed feeling the sun on our faces.

Spending a few hours here and there away from my computer allowed for me to find the creativity and strength I needed to make it through a tough time. I ended up becoming a consultant for several companies...and wildly enough found my way to C Walters International, where I am allowed to share my love of the ocean, swimming, snorkeling and water sports.

The moral of the story is that if the ocean, a lake or pool is in your backyard, get out in the water!!! There I promise you will - find balance, strength, hope, simplicity and that all too ignored child within.

There are no admission fees to the water, so jump in!


http://www.destinationwater.com/
- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation