Commensalism?

pezenfuego

Active Member
I know of several examples of mutualism in our tanks and in the ocean...but know of very few having to do with commensalism.
Examples?
 

t316

Active Member
Originally Posted by PEZenfuego
http:///forum/post/2996281
I know of several examples of mutualism in our tanks and in the ocean...but know of very few having to do with commensalism.
Examples?
I don't mean to sound stupid, but what is "mutualism" and "commensalism" as it relates to salt water fish????
 

nanomantis

Member
Hermits getting the shells of already deceased snails. EDIT: indirect, but I believe it fits the ticket
Tiny shrimps living within an anemone. Many of the smallest species provide their host with neither protection from preditors nor food.
 

nanomantis

Member
Originally Posted by T316
http:///forum/post/2996285
I don't mean to sound stupid, but what is "mutualism" and "commensalism" as it relates to salt water fish????

Mutualism is when both partners in a pair benefit from their relationship, think clownfish and their anemone. The clown gets protection while the anemone gets food the clown brings.
Commensalism is when only one partner benefits but does not harm/help the other partner. I believe my above post to be two examples.
 

pezenfuego

Active Member

Originally Posted by T316
http:///forum/post/2996285
I don't mean to sound stupid, but what is "mutualism" and "commensalism" as it relates to salt water fish????

Mutualism-a symbiotic relationship between two organisms in which both members benefit-IE clownfish and anemone and shrimp gobies and pistol shrimp.
Commensalism- a symbiotic relationship between two organsims in which ONE benefits and the other IS NOT HARMED.
Parasitism-a symbiotic relationship betweetn two organisms in which one benefits at the expense of another.
Originally Posted by NanoMantis

http:///forum/post/2996286
Hermits getting the shells of already
deceased snails.
Tiny shrimps living within an anemone. Many of the smallest species provide their host with neither protection from preditors nor food.
WOW. Never ever thought of hermit crabs. That's an interesting one...however would that really count...the other organism is already dead

In any case, that's an interesting idea. I already had the anemone shrimp in mind, but was afraid to post that because I wasn't 100%. Thanks for confirmation!
 

pezenfuego

Active Member
Last year in science class the teacher asked me for an example of a mutualistic relationship. I panicked and told him that Willy Wonka and his Oompa Loompas are an example. He gave me a funny look so I elaborated and said that Willy Wonka provides the Oompa Loompas with shelter and protection and in return the Oompa Loompas work for Willy Wonka.
The teacher just kinda shook his head.
 
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