Stichodactyla mertensii

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Stichodactyla mertensii
Stichodactyla mertensii with Amphiprion akallopisos and other unidentified fish in Madagascar
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Hexacorallia
Order: Actiniaria
Family: Stichodactylidae
Genus: Stichodactyla
Species:
S. mertensii
Binomial name
Stichodactyla mertensii
(Brandt, 1835)
Synonyms
  • Stichodactyla meretensii

Stichodactyla mertensii, commonly known as Mertens' carpet sea anemone, is a

Dascyllus trimaculatus
.

Distribution

S. mertensii is found on rocky or coral substrate and is widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific area from Mauritius to Fiji and from the Ryukyu Islands of southern Japan to Australia.[1] While this species can be confused with Stichodactyla gigantea and S. haddoni, they are most easily distinguished by habitat since the former two prefer sand while S. mertensii prefers rocky or coral substrate.[1]

Biology

The anemonefish generally said to be hosted by S. mertensii are: [1][2][3][4][5]

Other anemonefish said to be hosted by S. mertensii are:

The relationship between anemonefish and their host sea anemones is highly

A. clarkii, as in both locations A. akallopisos is only hosted by H. magnifica.[2] There are 2 specialist anemonefish that are only found with S. mertensii, A. fuscocaudatus and A. latifasciatus.[2]

Recently,

Amphiprion sandaracinos were observed to coexist within one host anemone of Stichodactyla mertensii. A. clarkii was not aggressive towards the A. sandaracinos but was aggressive towards all fish approaching the anemone. The anemonefish didn't divide the host into separate territories.[6]

Anemonefish color variations

Some species of anemonefish, including A. chrysogaster, A. chrysopterus, A. clarkii, A. percula and A. tricinctus have a

melanistic variation when associated with anemone of the genus Stichodactyla.[1] The change in body and or fin color from orange to black can occur within hours when transferred to the anemone. The fish then changes back from black to orange when removed from the host, although the change back takes longer. Why this occurs and its benefits to either partner are unknown.[1]

Other species do not show any such variation including A. akallopisos, A. akindynos, A. allardi, A. bicinctus, A. fuscocaudatus, A. latifasciatus, A. leucokranos and A. sandaracinos.[1]

There is a black variation of A. ocellaris, however it is not known whether this is associated with any specific anemone.[1]

  • A. clarkii in a 'normal' color
    A. clarkii in a 'normal' color
  • A. clarkii showing a melanistic variation
    A. clarkii showing a melanistic variation

Notes

  1. ^ Field records are lacking for A. thiellei and S. mertensii is listed as one of the probable hosts.[5]

References

  1. ^
    ISBN 9780730983651. Archived from the original
    on 14 April 2015.
  2. ^
    PMID 17476781
    .
  3. ^ a b c Fautin, Daphne G. (2006). "Hexacorallians of the World". Retrieved 2 October 2013.
  4. ^ a b c Fenner, Bob. "'Carpet Anemones in Captive Systems". The Conscientious Reef Aquarist. Retrieved 2 October 2013.
  5. ^
    PMID 23122007
    .
  6. doi:10.1007/s00338-010-0713-3
    .

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Stichodactyla mertensii.
Wikispecies has information related to Stichodactyla mertensii.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stichodactyla_mertensii&oldid=1188113125"