Splendour wrasse and longbarbel goatfish
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Splendour wrasse and longbarbel goatfish
Splendour wrasse and longbarbel goatfish. Banded splendour wrasse (Cheilinus fasciatus, top) following a feeding longbarbel goatfish (Parupeneus macronema). The goatfish digs holes in sandy seabeds to feed on small invertebrates. The cloud of sand produced by the digging attracts the wrasse, which feeds on any animals missed by the goatfish. The banded splendour wrasse, which reaches lengths of 36 centimetres, is found in lagoons and seaward reefs of the Indo-Pacific region. Photographed in Bunaken, Sulawesi, Indonesia
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Media ID 6460055
© GEORGETTE DOUWMA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Bunaken Commensal Commensalism Feeding Indonesia Sea Bed Sea Floor Sulawesi
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a fascinating interaction between two unique marine species - the Splendour wrasse and the Longbarbel goatfish. In this underwater scene, we witness a Banded splendour wrasse closely following a feeding Longbarbel goatfish in the sandy seabeds of Bunaken, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Longbarbel goatfish utilizes its specialized digging skills to create holes in the sand, searching for small invertebrates as its source of food. The process creates a cloud of sand that acts as an irresistible invitation for the Splendour wrasse. This colorful fish takes advantage of any creatures missed by its companion and indulges itself with these overlooked delicacies. With lengths reaching up to 36 centimeters, the Banded splendour wrasse is commonly found in lagoons and seaward reefs across the Indo-Pacific region. Its vibrant appearance adds an extra touch of beauty to this already mesmerizing duo. This photograph not only showcases the wonders of marine life but also highlights an intriguing example of commensalism - where one species benefits while another remains unaffected. It serves as a reminder that even within nature's complex web, there are harmonious relationships that exist beneath our oceans' surface. Taken by Science Photo Library in their pursuit to capture remarkable moments from nature's vast repertoire, this image invites us into a world teeming with diversity and symbiotic connections.
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