Palau – Endangered Wildlife – Anemonefish – $1 – 2011 – Brilliant Uncirculated – Color! – Anemonefish are a unique group of fish that live amongst the tentacles of sea anemones. The anemone’s tentacles sting and paralyze most fish that brush against them. Fortunately, they have a layer of mucus covering their skin that prevents the anemones from stinging them. By seeking shelter amongst the sea anemone’s tentacles, the anemone fish are protected from other predatory fish that might otherwise see them as a meal. They are never found far from the protection of their host anemone. Scientists believe that these fish provide benefits to the anemones as well. The anemonefish drops scraps of food as it eats and the anemone cleans up the leftovers. Very territorial, they drive off butterfly fish and other anemone-eating fishes. Beautiful colored crown, part of the Endangered Wildlife series of coins that has been issued under the authority of the government of the Republic of Palau since 1992.