A symbiotic relationship is one where animals of two different species interact closely over a long period of time. Symbiotic relationships include parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism. In a mutualistic relationship the species benefit each other. There are many examples of mutualism in the ocean – here are a few.
The Clownfish and Anemone Have a Mutual Symbiotic Relationship
Perhaps one of the most well known symbiotic relationships is that of the clownfish and the sea anemone. As John Roach describes in his June 5, 2003 National Geographic News article, “No Nemo: Anemones, Not Parents, Protect Clownfish”, these two species have a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Unlike most other fish, the clownfish has a layer of mucus on its skin that protects it from the stinging tentacles of the sea anemone. Living among the tentacles, the clownfish is safe from predators who cannot withstand the anemone’s sting. In return for its safe home, the clownfish is able to scare off the butterfly fish, which is known to eat sea anemone’s lacking clownfish. Some scientists also speculate that the clownfish’s waste may serve as a nutrient to the anemone and that the clownfish may get rid of anemone parasites.
The Goby and Shrimp Rely on Each Other
In her April 8, 2008 article “A Mutual Affair” for the New York Times, Olivia Judson describes the Goby-Shrimp mutualism. In this mutualistic relationship a small fish known as a goby lives with a blind, burrowing shrimp – sometimes a pair of shrimp. The shrimp dig and maintain a burrow for the shrimp and goby to live in while the fish sits at the entrance keeping watch for predators. When a predator swims by the goby darts into the burrow and the shrimp retreats further inside. The shrimp use its antennae to maintain contact with the goby’s tail and when it is safe to come out the little fish wiggles its tail. These two animals are completely dependent on each other – without the fish the shrimp stop burrowing and without its shrimp the goby gets eaten by predators.
Mutualistic Relationships Can be Found at Cleaning Stations
Cleaning stations refer to areas where fish go to be cleaned of fungal growths and parasites by tiny cleaner wrasse and shrimp. As the University of Queensland describes through their Reef Education Network “Love Thy Neighbor” page, fish will travel long distances to have shrimp hop in their mouths and gill slits to get a good clean. Interestingly, the client fish are often predators, but no predation happens at these stations. Rather, the shrimp and small fish get a meal while the big fish get their parasites removed.
Coral and Algae Display Mutualism
Coral reefs are places of great diversity, providing a home to many animals. Thus, as the “Love Thy Neighbor” page describes, one of the most important symbiotic relationships in the sea is the one between a coral polyp and its microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. This coral-algal mutualism allows corals to feed off the byproducts of the algae’s photosynthesis. Corals receive much of their energy needs from the algae while these zooxanthellae receive a place to live and certain inorganic nutrients they need to survive.
These are just a few examples of mutualism, illustrating how species depend on each other for survival. Many more of the symbiotic relationships exist within the ocean and scientists continue to discover the intricacies of interspecies relationships.
Megan Jungwi - Megan Jungwi started her freelance writing career in March 2009. Although new to online writing Megan has long been passionate about the ...
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