Symbiotic Relationship Collection (#10)

A diverse array of corals grow in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This beautiful region is known for its spectacular reefs and high marine biodiversity

Tomato clownfish in its host anenome, Fiji

A female clownfish looks after her eggs at the edge of the host anemone, Papua New Guinea

A Clarks anemonefish nuggles into the tentacles of its host anemone
A Clarks anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii) snuggles into the tentacles of its host anemone in Komodo National Park, Indonesia

An anemone hermit crab crawls across the seafloor of Indonesia
An anemone hermit crab (Dardanus pedunculatus) crawls across the seafloor of Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This beautiful area harbors extraordinary marine biodiversity

A soft coral colony near Alor, Indonesia
A soft coral colony and other invertebrates thrive in shallow water near Alor, Indonesia. This remote region is known for its beautiful reefs and spectacular marine biodiversity

A colony of fire coral grows near Alor, Indonesia
A colony of fire coral grows in shallow water near Alor, Indonesia. This remote region is known for its beautiful reefs and spectacular marine biodiversity

A table coral is encroached upon by soft corals near the island of Alor, Indonesia. This remote region is known for its beautiful reefs and spectacular marine biodiversity

A beautiful reef grows in Komodo National Park, Indonesia
A beautiful reef grows in extremely shallow water in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This part of the Coral Triangle is known for its high marine biodiversity

Fragile corals grow in shallow water in Komodo National Park
Fragile corals grow in extremely shallow water in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. This part of the Coral Triangle is known for its high marine biodiversity

Porcelain crab in anemone, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia

Pink anemonefish guard their anemone on a coral reef, Fiji
Pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) guard their anemone on a coral reef in the South Pacific ocean near Tavarua Island off the coast of Veti Levu, Fiji

Clownfish inside a red and green anemone, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Orange and white clownfish inside a red and green anemone, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Sea nettle is host to a small shrimp in the Atlantic Ccean off the coast of North Carolina

A crown-of-thorns starfish feeds on coral
A crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) feeds on coral near Cocos Island, Costa Rica

A Clarks anemonefish snuggles amongst its hosts tentacles
A Clarks anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii) snuggles amongst its hosts tentacles on a reef in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia

Detailed view of yellow tube coral (Tubastrea) polyps with parasites, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Whale shark with remora, Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia
Whale shark with remora, its body reflected on the surface, Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Oceanic blacktip shark with remora and pilot fish, Aliwal Shoal, South Africa
An oceanic blacktip shark swims by with remora and pilot fish in tow, Aliwal Shoal, Umkoms, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Pair of Hermit Crabs in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina

Mangrove roots rise from the seafloor of an island in Indonesia
Specialized mangrove roots, called pneumatophores, rise from the shallow seafloor of an island in Indonesia. These roots act like snorkels and allow mangrove trees to breathe during low tide

A sea cucumber clings to a reef in Alor, Indonesia
A sea cucumber (Bohadschia sp.) clings to a reef in Alor, Indonesia. This remote region is known for its beautiful reefs and spectacular marine biodiversity

Colorful corals near the island of Alor, Indonesia
Colorful corals thrive in shallow water near the island of Alor, Indonesia. This remote region is known for its beautiful reefs and spectacular marine biodiversity

A colorful tunicate grows on a reef in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. This is a filter-feeding organism

A Clarks anemonefish snuggles amongst its hosts tentacles on a reef in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia

Small hermit crab living in an abandoned coral polyp hole, Fiji

Porcelain Crab on its anemone, Papua New Guinea

Bluestripe Clownfish in its host anemone, Papua New Guinea

Rays from the setting sun shining on an anemone with a pair of clownfish
Rays from the setting sun shining on an anemone with a pair of orange and white clownfish, Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua, Indonesia

Pink clownfish in white and blue anemone, Komodo, Indonesia
Pink clownfish in bleached white and blue anemone, Komodo, Indonesia

Striated goby and blind shrimp, North Sulawesi
Striated goby and blind shrimp, Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Spotted grouper with orange cleaner shrimp, Bali, Indonesia

A pink anemonefish swims among the tentacles of its host anemone
A pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) swims among the tentacles of its host anemone near the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia

A crown-of-thorns starfish on a reef in Indonesia
A crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) feeds on corals on a reef in Indonesia. This species clears space on reefs for other corals and invertebrates to colonize

A pair of tunicates grow on a reef in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
A pair of colorful tunicates grows on a reef in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. This is a filter-feeding organism

A saltwater shrimp living on bubble coral in Lembeh Strait
An almost invisible shrimp (Vir philippinensis) lives among the bulbous tentacles of a bubble coral on a reef in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. This area is known for its high marine biodiversity

Close-up of a whip coral goby, Beqa Lagoon, Fiji

Red Hermit Crab scavanges for food at night, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Striped snapping shrimp on a yellow crinoid, Indonesia
Striped snapping shrimp (Synalpheus striatus) on a yellow crinoid, Bunaken National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Sarasvati anemone shrimp on orange and green anemone
Sarasvati anemone shrimp (Periclimenes sarasvati) on orange and green anemone, Cenderawasih Bay, Papua New Guinea

Anemonefish in purple tip anemone, Australia

Parasitic Isopod on Grunt, Belize
Parasitic Isopod on grunt fish, Belize

Detail of coral polyps on a reef in Lembeh Strait
Detail of coral polyps (Diploastrea sp.) on a reef in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia

False Ocellaris Clownfish in its host anemone, Papua New Guinea

Scarlet Reef Hermit Crab peeks out of its shell, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
Red Reef Hermit Crab peeks out of its shell, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Gray reef shark with remora, Papua New Guinea
Gray reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) with remora, Inglis Shoal, Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea

Goby with commensal blind shrimp, Bali, Indonesia
Orange, white and blue goby with commensal yellow and red blind shrimp, Bali, Indonesia

Three pink anemonefish in a circular pink anemone, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

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In the vast ocean, a Dugong gracefully glides through the water, its massive body nourished by a seagrass meadow. This gentle giant relies on the symbiotic relationship it shares with Halophila stipulacea to sustain its life. Meanwhile, in prehistoric times, an Alvarezsaurid bird fearlessly approaches the mouth of a Giganotosaurus carolinii dinosaur. With meticulous care, it cleans away remnants of food from between the sharp teeth of this mighty predator. A remarkable example of mutualism in ancient ecosystems. On sandy shores, intricate patterns emerge as Mint-sauce worms wriggle beneath the surface. These tiny creatures create trails that serve as shelter for other organisms and contribute to beach stability—a harmonious partnership between nature and these fascinating worms. Beneath turquoise waters, a Western clownfish seeks refuge within the tentacles of a Magnificent sea anemone. In return for protection against predators, this vibrant fish provides nutrients to its host—an extraordinary case of mutual dependence. In Mexican seas, a Giant manta ray majestically soars above coral reefs while Remoras cling onto both wings. These small hitchhikers enjoy free transportation and access to leftover meals provided by their gracious host—the epitome of commensalism in marine environments. Far off on Tenerife's coastlines lie Ocean sunfish swimming alongside Pilot fish—two species united by mutual benefit. The sunfish offers protection from potential threats while enjoying parasite removal services provided by its loyal companions. Within coral reefs dwells another helpful creature—the Bluestreak cleaner wrasse diligently cleaning among sharp teeth belonging to various reef inhabitants. Its bravery ensures not only dental hygiene but also sustenance for itself—a classic example of mutualistic behavior underwater. Back in ocean depths where darkness reigns supreme resides another symbiotic duo—the Dugong and juvenile Golden trevally swim side by side.