|
The Ultimate Shrimpgoby Guide -
A Shrimpgoby Smorgasbord!
|
An amazing relationship
exists between certain snapping shrimps and a guild of gobies. This partnership is one
of the most amazing examples of symbiosis on the reef and can be easily observed by any diver
that spends time in the Indo-Pacific. A speckleback shrimpgoby (Amblyeleotris sp.) with
its shrimp partner is shown here.
Photo by Scott W. Michael.
|
The coral reefs of the world are characterized by a long and
relatively stable environmental history. This stability has facilitated the
development of complex interactions between certain fishes and invertebrates, some of which
are a favorite subject of underwater photographers. The most familiar of these associations occurs
between sea anemones and anemonefishes. But even more spectacular than this well-known
partnership, is the relationship that exists
between certain gobies and snapping shrimp of the genus Alpheus.
In the Shrimpgoby Smorgasbord we will examine the biology of the
shrimpgobies and their snapping shrimp partners. We will do this in the form
of seven slide shows. The titles of all the slide shows are given below along with
a short description of the subject matter to be covered.
Parts 1 and 2 are available now for you to enjoy. The remaining segments will
be presented over the next few weeks.
Note:To view these narrated slide shows you need to be a
CoralRealm member. Its quick
and easy to become a member. In less than 5 minutes you'll be ready to go.
CLICK HERE NOW! to join
our international community.
All text by Scott W. Michael. Photo by S. W. Michael unless otherwise noted.
| |
The Shrimpgoby Smorgasbord |
| 1 |
|
Gobies and Snapping Shrimp
Let's take a look at the family Gobiidae, the largest group
of fishes represented on coral reefs and a cryptic group of crustaceans known
as the snapping shrimps (Alpheidae).
|
| 2 |
 |
A Partnership is Formed
An amazing relationship exists between certain gobies and snapping shrimp. In this
portion of the Shrimpgoby Smorgasbord we'll look at how this
relationship benefits the goby partners. |
| 3 |
 |
Shrimp Benefits
We have seen how the goby profits from this relationship, but what advantage does the
crustacean benefit? In this section of the Smorgasbord we will find out!
|
| 4 |
 |
Interphyletic Communication
How do the shrimpgobies and the snapping shrimp communicate with one another?
Read this section of the Smorgasbord and find out!
|
| 5 |
 |
Time Budget and Social Behavior
What is the typical shrimpgoby's day all about? In this section, we will find out
what these gobies spend their time doing, including information about their social
lives.
|
| 6 |
 |
Reproduction
Learn about the interesting reproductive behavior of the shrimpgobies and their
snapping shrimp partners.
|
| 7 |
 |
Predators
Even though the shrimpgoby and snapping shrimp are able to avoid many predators, there
are some fishes that do prey on these animals. Learn about their enemies and the strategies
that the shrimpgobies use to avoid being eaten.
|
| 8 |
|
CoralRealm Shrimpgobies
Click Button for a listing of shrimpgoby species profiles
in our Fish Encyclopedia.
|
|
|
| 9 |
|
CRU Online
Quiz covering Parts 1 - 4 of the Shrimpgobie guide. |
| 10 |
|
CRU Online
Quiz covering Parts 5-7 of the Shrimpgobie guide.
|
|