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Spatial distribution of symbiotic shrimps (Periclimenes holthuisi, P. brevicarpalis, Thor amboinensis) on the sea anemone Stichodactyla haddoni

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 February 2004

Ritindra N. Khan
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
Justine H.A. Becker
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
Andrea L. Crowther
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
Ian D. Lawn
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia

Abstract

This study investigated the spatial distribution patterns of three shrimp species, Periclimenes holthuisi, P. brevicarpalis, and Thor amboinensis on the sea anemone Stichodactyla haddoni in the laboratory. Anemones were partitioned into five zones (mouth, inner tentacle, outer tentacle, upper column, and lower column), and shrimp distribution on these zones was determined. Regardless of species, significantly higher numbers of shrimps chose outer tentacles (>40%) over other zones during daytime. Such distribution might be attributed to their feeding practices as these crustaceans clipped and ate parts of the outer tentacles. Periclimenes holthuisi also showed varying temporal distribution patterns on their hosts. At night when anemones contracted their tentacles, shrimp moved in significant numbers from the outer tentacle region either to the column or off the anemones. Shrimps returned to the tentacles during daytime when anemones expanded their tentacles. Thus, spatial and temporal distribution of shrimps depend upon their feeding activities and degree of anemone expansion.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2004 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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