Sarasvati Anemone Shrimp

This Anemone Shrimp - Periclimenes sarasvati can be found in cluster, usually around Anemone, but not exclusively. They are transparent with purple bands on legs. In this particular picture, she is carrying some eggs.

comments (9)

Christine Young

Lion

From today's JungleDragon Facebook post:

"One of the most remarkable components of a reef ecosystem is the relationships that occur between species. Symbiotic relationships are as common as they are beneficial. One such example is the mutualistic partnership between the Sarasvati Anemone Shrimp (Periclimenes sarasvati) and sea anemones. These tiny, mostly transparent shrimp are cleaners that feed on parasites, algae, and plankton.

Life on a reef can be hazardous for small creatures like these shrimp, so they take refuge in anemones, whose tentacles are armed with stinging cells called nematocysts. The shrimp aren't harmed by the nematocysts, but most predators will avoid a shrimp living in an anemone. The shrimp feed on tiny organisms, detritus, slime, and waste that sticks to the anemone. In order for the relationship to be mutualistic, the anemone must also benefit, which it does in a complicated way. This benefit has to do with another symbiotic organism called zooxanthellae, which are found in the sea anemone’s tissues. Zooxanthellae are algae that use photosynthesis to make nutrients that the sea anemones use. But, the zooxanthellae need light and ammonium to thrive. Anemone shrimp produce ammonium, which is then used by the zooxanthellae. As a result, sea anemones that host shrimp have lots of zooxanthellae, which produce nutrients for the anemone, and...the anemone provides a safe home and food for the shrimp! If that's not mind-boggling, then I'm not sure what is! {Spotted in the Philippines by JungleDragon moderator, Albert Kang} #JungleDragon" Posted 7 years ago
1. Albert Kang
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, Christine for hi-lighting this observation :) Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    You're welcome Albert! It's one of countless mind-blowing creatures that you have encountered! I love looking through your shots with my kids and learning about the different things you see. My kids are equally impressed and in awe ;) Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. Albert Kang
      
      Lion
      
      Thanks again and great!
      Hope to meet you and your family and share some adventures and learning from each other.
      Would be great if you and your family visits Borneo eventually, am sure they would love the adventures :D Posted 7 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        We would love to visit Borneo - maybe when the kids are older :) Posted 7 years ago

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

Very cool observation! And great post, Christine! Wow! Posted 7 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Lisa :) Posted 7 years ago