Associations between fishes (Actinopterygii: Teleostei) and anthozoans (Anthozoa: Hexacorallia) in epipelagic waters based on in situ records

Abstract

We formally describe the association of fishes and anthozoans in epipelagic waters, extending this relationship to beyond the benthos. In situ observations and photographs of Aluterus schoepfii , Ariomma regulus , Caranx cf. latus and Brama spp. swimming alongside or holding larval tube anemones (Cerianthidae and Arachnactidae) and larval zoanthids (Sphenopidae) were made during blackwater SCUBA dives off Palm Beach, Florida, USA, and off Punaauia, Tahiti, French Polynesia. We report and illustrate the behaviour of these interactions, and suggest an advantage for the anthozoans.

Bibliographic Information