Resistance to cytolytic toxins from the mucus of a sea
anemone (Heteractis magnifica) was observed in the anemonefish
Amphiprion percula, even when it was exposed to
concentrations of 10 mg/ml in the water (Mebs, 1994). Other
Amphiprion species were highly vulnerable to the toxin,
which suggests that resistance to toxins secreted by the sea
anemone has evolved in some anemonefish species and
may be mediated through specific mechanisms such as
immune response. It is interesting to note that the anemonefish
A. clarkii belongs to those species which are
highly sensitive to these toxins when dissolved in the
water