Underwater photography - Animal Behaviour |
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A pair of Pharaoh
Cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis), copulating. The male deposits
sperm packages (spermatophores) in a pouch under the female's
mouth. Female then passes each egg over these spermatophores
before depositing them in crevices. Richelieu Rock, Andaman
Sea, Thailand.
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Sally Lightfoot
crabs (Grapsus grapsus), mating at water's edge. Galapagos Islands,
Equador, Pacific Ocean.
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| image reference code: cuttle 47 | image reference code: crab 84 | ||||
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A female Golden
Wentletrap Snail (Epitonium billeeanum), feeds on Orange Cup
Coral (Tubastraea sp.), and deposits its eggs in the empty coral
skeletons left behind. Eggs mimic the stinging coral tentacles,
protecting them from other predators. Richelieu Rock, Andaman
Sea, Thailand.
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While they appear
to be "kissing", this pair of Spotted Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys
oxycephalus) are actually fighting - probably a territorial
dispute. Similan Islands, Andaman Sea, Thailand.
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| image reference code: snail 9 | image reference code: hawkfight 1 | ||||
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A Blue-Spotted
Coral Grouper (Cephalopholis miniata) "says ahhh" as a Skunk
Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) removes parasites from
its mouth. Similan Islands, Andaman Sea, Thailand.
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These two Imperial
Shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) are feeding, while perched upon
their host, a "Solar Eclipse" Nudibranch (Risbecia tryoni).
Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea.
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| image reference code: symbio 2 | image reference code: movefeast 2 | ||||
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This "Vampire
Snail" (Colubraria sp.) has climbed upon the mucous cacoon of
a sleeping Bullethead Parrotfish (Scarus sordidus), pierced
it with its proboscis, and is now sucking blood from its victim!
Similan Islands, Andaman Sea, Thailand.
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A pair of Blue-Streak
Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) investigate the spiracle
of a Small-Eye Stingray (Himantura fai), searching for parasites.
A perfect example of symbiosis, both parties benefit from the
relationship. Similan Islands, Andaman Sea, Thailand.
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| image reference code: parasite 1 | image reference code: symbio 10 | ||||
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The Harlequin
Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) is a relative of the
seahorse. A master of camouflage, in this case it imitates a
soft coral branch. Similan Islands, Andaman Sea, Thailand.
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A tiny, nearly
transparent cleaner shrimp (Periclimenes magnificus) dances
on the nose of a snake eel (Callechelys sp.). The shrimp cleans
parasites from the eel, providing food for itself and relief
for its host. Lembeh Straits, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
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| image reference code: gpf 17 | image reference code: symbio 8 | ||||
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Mark Strickland / Oceanic Impressions e-mail: info@oceanic-impressions.com |
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