Symbiosis in the Animal World

Debosmita Ghosh
VII D
Pistol Shrimps and Gobies

The relationship between a pistol shrimp

and a goby is a symbiosis in which both
creatures have a win-win situation. In order
to hide from its enemies, the pistol shrimp
digs a cave underwater. The goby has a very
good eyesight and warns the nearly-blind
pistol shrimp of any danger ahead. In
return, the goby benefits from a safe home
and protection.
Oxpeckers and Cape Buffaloes
If one sees a Cape Buffalo on a game drive, they
will probably see a red or yellow-billed
oxpeckers perched on its body. These mammals,
renowned for their angry demeanour and
believed to be one of the most dangerous
mammals in Africa, easily ram a vehicle and
cause a great damage. The oxpeckers are,
perhaps, the only friends a Cape Buffalo accepts.
The birds provide a valuable service to the
Cape Buffaloes by eating insects and parasites of
their bodies, mucus, blood, saliva, sweat and
tears. This symbiotic relationship between an
oxpecker and a Cape Buffalo not only provides
food for the oxpecker, but also helps the Buffalo
in keeping its wounds clean and in the removal
of parasites and insects from its skin.
Boxercrabs and Sea Anemones

Another example of symbiosis is the

relationship between a boxercrab and sea
anemones. A boxercrab has little sea
anemones growing on its hands. When
touched, the anemones’ tentacles excrete a
burning poisonous substance which helps
the boxer crab to defend itself. In return,
whenever the boxer crab eats anything, the
tiny leftover food particles directly float into
the anemones’ mouth.
Honeyguides and Humans

Honeyguides feed on beeswax and know

where honeycombs are located. They help
humans in locating the honeycombs so that
humans can subdue the bees and open the
honeycomb using fire and tools, thus
exposing both the honeyguides to beeswax
and humans to honey.