BIOLOGICAL NOTES
In this vibrant bustle of life that develops through and for the benefit of the reef, there are rules and laws. Promiscuity between species is pushed to its limit. No organism is isolated and alone. Predators and partners of a day must live side by side. The little creatures of the coral galleries are engaged in a permanent struggle to conquer and defend their living space. To that end, anything goes. Camouflage, chemical attacks, or deception. Every last corner of the reef is colonized or exploited. Over time, fissures, caves, and tunnels gradually form. Worms, oysters, and other burrowing animals, that dig into the coral heads, also leave behind a maze of caves and holes in which all kinds of creatures take up residence. At first sight, this gorgonian seems to be unoccupied. But a closer inspection reveals countless inhabitants, from sea spiders to long- nose butterflyfish, whose colors always blend in with those of their host. They hide between its branches, like the minuscule gobies that quickly disappear into its meanders. Cowries, ophiuroids, worms, shrimp, and small fish also invade the gorgonians, to feed and protect themselves from predators. Not only every last corner of the reef, but also every animal is colonized. Symbiosis is the watchword on the reef, the ultimate in tolerance between animals. It is the name given to the mutually beneficial contract that exists between two species. The best-known example is the clownfish and the venomous sea anemone, but it quickly
becomes clear that the entire coral structure is built on symbiotic relationships.
Despite their stinging tentacles, sea anemones provide shelter to a whole population of fish and crustaceans, and some even lay their eggs there. Do these anemones become accustomed to having squatters? Do their tenants have antidotes that allow them to ignore otherwise fatal stings? What is clear, is that these mutual relationships are built up patiently, prudently. Gradually, by repeating the same movements over and over, they are able to move through the poisonous jungle without harm. In exchange, the junior symbionts clean the anemone and protect it against intruders or aggressors. The anemone’s toxicity in turn ensures they are protected from external predators. Besides the anemone, the cleaner shrimp and the bluestreak cleaner wrasse provide more examples of a symbiotic relationship, each of these species helping remove the parasites that infest all marine creatures. They display their vibrant colors to their clients, which include groupers, snappers, and morays. In any other circumstances, away from the little helpers’ “cleaning stations”, these predators would happily gobble up such appetizing prey. But these tiny barbers have permission to inspect their clients’ bodies, gills, and even their mouths, and to calm them down, they even give them a little massage as they work.
Some profit from this mutualism. The false cleanerfish, for example,
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