|
First freshwater association between a sponge and shrimp discovered |
|
|
|
Written by Dr. H. P. Bustami
|
|
Thursday, 28 June 2007 |
|
The indonesian island of Sulawsi is among biologists known for its rich endemic and seldom fauna. Scientist of the Humboldt University in Berlin/Germany now found in an ancient freshwater lake the first ever known association between a shrimp and and a sponge. The endemic shrimp (Caridina spongicola) and the sponge of the yet undescribed suborder Spongillina are interestingly restricted not only to the lake but to a certain area of it.
In marine ecosytems such "cooperations" between shrimps and sponges are common and well described scientifically. Probably the shrimp benefits from feeding on food rests remaining on the sponge surface. Analysing the DNA of both species the scientists in Berlin discovered further that it seems to be a development of rather young species which might have evolved through micro climate changes in the surrounding area of the lake. Now the research is heading to find the ecological basis of this sensational new freshwater association.
Source: Rintelen et al (2007): "Freshwater shrimp-sponge association from an ancient lake"; Biol. Let. 3, 262-264.
 Add as favourites (43) |  Quote this article on your site | Views: 1765 | E-mail
Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition |
