OBSERVATIONS ON THE SYMBIOSIS OF THE SEA ANEMONE STOICHACTIS AND THE POMACENTRID FISH, AMPHIPRION PERCULA

Abstract

Behavioral process is described wherby fish A. percula, after long isolation from host anemone Stoichactis, affects association with its partner. Evidence is presented that active principle in protection of fish is in mucus secreted in outer surface of fish''s skin. This factor raises threshold of discharge of host''s nematocysts. It is fast-acting, local and specific in its effect, and heat-labile. It is not present in muscle of Amphiprion. Factor also affects stimulus-response chain in anemone in such a way that contract with fish does not initiate feeding responses.