[1] It contains obligate symbiotic zooxanthellae, and is a host to around half the species of anemonefish and one damselfish, Dascyllus trimaculatus.

S. mertensii is found on rocky or coral substrate and is widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific area from Mauritius to Fiji and from the Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan to Australia.

[6] Some species of anemonefish, including A. chrysogaster, A. chrysopterus, A. clarkii, A. percula and A. tricinctus have a melanistic variation when associated with anemone of the genus Stichodactyla.

[1] The change in body and or fin color from orange to black can occur within hours when transferred to the anemone.

[1] Other species do not show any such variation including A. akallopisos, A. akindynos, A. allardi, A. bicinctus, A. fuscocaudatus, A. latifasciatus, A. leucokranos and A.