Great Barrier Reef - North Broken Passage

Symbiotic relationships are crucial for the survival of coral reefs and the animals residing within or around them. This relationship involves two different organisms living together where they might both mutually benefit or, at the very least, one of them benefit. The first great example is the polyp and zooxanthellae. The polyp relies on this relationship for food and the zooxanthellae for protection and a home. Giant clams also rely on zooxanthellae for nutrients, so the algae move in and live on the edges of the clams' enormous shells.

Another mentioned earlier was the remora fish with its specialised dorsal fin. The remora attaches itself to turtles, sharks, and others to hitch a ride and find food. In return, the remora cleans the parasites off its host.

While moray eels like to surprise their prey with their secondary jaw, when it comes to getting clean, they'll wait patiently for a bluestreak cleaner wrasse to do the job. When wrasses are ready to work, they'll do a dance to attract attention by moving their rear up and down.

The most well-known symbiotic relationship is between a clownfish and a sea anemone – remember Finding Nemo. Although there are over 1,000 anemone species, only ten can coexist with clownfish, and even then, only select pairs are compatible. Sea anemones are predators with stinging polyps that paralyze their prey before eating them. However, clownfish are protected by mucus layers that make them resistant to sea anemone toxins. In exchange for shelter, clownfish provide food and help clean the anemone of parasites.

An example of symbiosis where only one party benefits is in the case of the hermit crab. When looking for a home, it may search for a mollusk shell (ie, snail shell) that has been discarded. Since the mollusk has already moved out, it does not benefit from this relationship but is also not affected. For hermit crabs, the shell needs to be a perfect fit. The shell needs to have a curve or a coil so the crab's abdomen can fit in and be protected. The opening also needs to be just right, even if the shell itself is much bigger. Sometimes the crab's home will play host to sea anemones who are looking to hitch a ride, giving them access to food on their travels.

Perhaps the most humorous description of a symbiotic relationship is between a boxer crab and sea anemones. These funny-looking crabs have two anemones on their claws that look like boxing gloves, hence the name. They wave the anemones around whenever they feel threatened. Their alternative name pom pom crab is even more appropriate since the little anemones look like pom poms.

Symbiosis is an essential component of ocean life. Here plants and animals depend on each other for food, protection, shelter, transportation, and cleaning services. Symbiotic relationships are also a great measure of reef health. Coral bleaching is an example of where symbiosis has broken down, and the marine ecosystem is affected. Conversely, abundant marine life peacefully living with one another can indicate that all is well.



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