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Critter Behavior Help
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 2:59 pm
by Scubie Doo
During a couple dives at Sund Rock, I noticed a couple Sea Cucumbers standing up. They looked like they were going to attack a Plumose Anemone. I took this pic of one and it appears to be releasing sperm. I have seen the "stand up" behavior before, but never one right next to a Plumose Anemone in "attack" mode. Do the cucumbers attack the anemones? Do they eat them? Is there a reason they were next to Anemones while releasing their sperm? Boy, how I wish I had Jan's skills to photograph and write this up
Re: Critter Behavior Help
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 4:06 pm
by Jan K
Always interested in behavior of marine critters. I am pretty sure the sea cucumbers don't attack and eat the anemones. But you are right, they spawn posing like they are ready to
Years ago I tried to find more info. This is all I got:
And Happy Birthday !
Re: Critter Behavior Help
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 4:27 pm
by mz53480
+1 for what Jan said.
I've also seen this when they get next to starfish too.
Yeah, happy bday!
Re: Critter Behavior Help
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 7:50 pm
by Dusty2
No the Anemone is in no danger. Just a fluke he happened to be there. I have seen this behavior several times. Sea cumbers feed on algae on the bottom and would have no way to eat another critter. They also will stand up with their mouth parts displayed when the are starved for oxygen
Re: Critter Behavior Help
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 10:44 pm
by Scubie Doo
Jan K wrote:Always interested in behavior of marine critters. I am pretty sure the sea cucumbers don't attack and eat the anemones. But you are right, they spawn posing like they are ready to
Years ago I tried to find more info. This is all I got:
And Happy Birthday !
Awesome Jan, I knew I could count on you. And thanks for the bday wishes.
Re: Critter Behavior Help
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 10:44 pm
by Scubie Doo
mz53480 wrote:+1 for what Jan said.
I've also seen this when they get next to starfish too.
Yeah, happy bday!
Thank you very much!
Re: Critter Behavior Help
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 10:46 pm
by Scubie Doo
Dusty2 wrote:No the Anemone is in no danger. Just a fluke he happened to be there. I have seen this behavior several times. Sea cumbers feed on algae on the bottom and would have no way to eat another critter. They also will stand up with their mouth parts displayed when the are starved for oxygen
Thanks Rich. I thought it might be a fluke, but when I saw two separate cukes right next to the anemone I second guessed myself.