Symbiotic Relationships

Symbiosis Close long-term relationship between two or more species. Three types: Commensalism Mutualism Parasitism

Mutualism A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit. Rhino & Cow bird

Examples: An unidentified crab that carries a venomous sea urchin for protection. The crab uses its rear legs to hold the urchin in place. The urchin receives transportation

The Sponge Crab is wearing a "hat" that consists of a living sponge colony. The sponge gains transportation while the crab gains a disguise.

The Tomato Anemone Fish lives among the Sea Anemone The Tomato Anemone Fish lives among the Sea Anemone. It gains protection from predators while the anemone gains dinner.

Commensalism One organism benefits and the other is unharmed or unaffected Remoras live very close to sharks. The shark does not bother the remora, but the remora eats the leftover food the shark drops or does not eat.

Examples: Eagle Rays have powerful jaws which they use to crush open conchs and other shellfish, which they find living on sandy bottoms. Jacks have often been observed to follow rays around, hoping to make a meal of small fish that are flushed from under the sand, while the ray is digging for food. Barnacles attach themselves to the shells of sea turtles. The barnacles receive a home and transportation.

This Alpheid Shrimp uses its strong claws like a bulldozer, to create a burrow in the sand. But the shrimp is nearly blind, and relies upon its partner, a sharp-eyed goby, to warn of danger. When a potential predator approaches, both animals disappear quickly into the burrow.

This transparent Philippine Shrimp lives on the surface of bubble coral. It retreats into the narrow spaces between the bubble-like vesicles of the coral, whenever it feels threatened.

Small fish can often be found living among the tentacles of large jellyfish. The stinging cells of the jellyfish's tentacles do not appear to harm the little fish, but do protect it against larger fish that might want to eat it.

Parasitism One organism benefits and the other is harmed Organism that benefits is the parasite Organism that is harmed is the host Mistletoe & tree

Examples A tick, parasite, feeds off another organism such as a dog, host. Tapeworms live in the intestines of cats, where they absorb nutrients from the food cats eat. A bacteria causes your throat to be sore. Parasites on a mushroom sponge

Isopods are crustaceans, some of which are parasites Isopods are crustaceans, some of which are parasites. Isopods known as "fish lice" attach themselves to their host and feed on its body fluids.

A Sea Lamprey, a primitive fish, attaches to the bodies of native fish and feeds on the fish's body fluids. This often leads to the death of the native fish.

A special Thanks to David Hall for the use of his pictures. www A special Thanks to David Hall for the use of his pictures. www.seaphotos.com Sea Lamprey courtesy of www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca