ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN THE HERMIT CRAB DARDANUS PEDUNCULATUS AND ITS COMMENSAL SEA ANEMONE CALLIACTIS TRICOLOR ON MOOREA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

摘要: Crabs of the species Dardanus pedunculatus form a symbiotic relationship with Calliactis tricolor anemones on Moorea, French Polynesia. actively collect for protection against octopus predation, while simultaneously giving better habitat, defense predators, and food as result crab’s messy eating. In laboratory setting, crabs will compete larger winning competitions. This paper examined crabs’ field collection patterns, found that more anemones, cover greater percentage their dorsal side carry volume than smaller individuals. An experiment was designed to determine preference when unimpeded by restrictions, show similar patterns in field, field. implies abundance limits this population, are being out-competed Additional behavioral experiments were individual anemone patterns. no they had been associated but did significant anemones. Gaining understanding symbiosis adds much-needed literature fragile coral reef ecosystem.