Losing Nemo
2017
This painting has been sold to a private collector 4/22/2019.
Species illustrated: Orange Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and Magnificent Sea Anemone (Heteractis magnifica)
Sea anemones, like their relatives the corals, have a symbiotic relationship with microalgae that dwell within them. Stress, such as that caused by rising temperatures, can result in bleaching of both kinds of animals, in which the microalgae are expelled. Some sea anemones also exhibit symbiotic relationships with clownfishes, which find protection in the stinging tentacles and in turn protect and clean the anemone. A recent study found that clownfishes on bleached anemones exhibit increased levels of stress hormones and decreased fertility, illustrating the cascading effects of climate change on coral reef communities.
20x20 oil on canvas
Sea anemones, like their relatives the corals, have a symbiotic relationship with microalgae that dwell within them. Stress, such as that caused by rising temperatures, can result in bleaching of both kinds of animals, in which the microalgae are expelled. Some sea anemones also exhibit symbiotic relationships with clownfishes, which find protection in the stinging tentacles and in turn protect and clean the anemone. A recent study found that clownfishes on bleached anemones exhibit increased levels of stress hormones and decreased fertility, illustrating the cascading effects of climate change on coral reef communities.
20x20 oil on canvas
All sizes are measured in inches. All art is original.