Macca
08-13-2006, 11:57 PM
Symbiosis is an interaction between two organisms living together in more or less intimate association or even the merging of two dissimilar organisms. The term host is usually used for the larger (macro) of the two members of a symbiosis. The smaller (micro) member is called the symbiont. The various forms of symbiosis are often apparent in a coral reef setup. Parasitism, in which the association is disadvantageous or destructive to one of the organisms and beneficial to the other. An example of this is the parasite pyramid snail. You may witness these little white snails hitching a ride on your turbo snail, astraea snails, or clam. They suck the blood of their host until they die! Pick them off their hosts and dispose of. They are species-specific and will only go after the same type of mollusc. Mutualism, in which the association is advantageous to both. An example is the relationship between a clownfish and an anenome.The clownfish protects the anemone from intruders, and in turn the stinging tentacles of the anemone protect the clownfish from its predators. Commensalism, in which one member of the association benefits while the other is not affected. An example of this type of relationship is an SPS coral and an acro crab. The acro crab benefits with both protection the SPS coral offers and also the food particles it traps. Some hobbyists refers to these crabs as pests (Parasitism, - SPS Corals polyps are often closed with the crabs presence), Others believe they aid the coral (Mutualism – Where the coral has a 24 hour house cleaner). They have a general tag of Commensalism but you may make up your own mind through experience. The other three relationship are Competition, (in which both organisms are harmed), Amensalism, in which the association is disadvantageous to one member while the other is not affected. And Neutralism, in which both organisms are unaffected. I could not think of any instances for the last 3 but if you can I would be intrested to know. If you have any Symbolic Relationships - (in you reef tanks only :twisted:) you would like to share please add on to this thread.
James
James