Many species live together in unusual ways, like dogs and cats. Goby fish and shrimps, though, have a very special bond. You’ll find the fish next to a small burrow. Look carefully, though, and you’ll find that the hole is the work of another creature, a tiny shrimp who’s expert in digging away the sand.
Some species of goby live with these pistol shrimps. They repay them by acting as lookouts. The shrimps have poor eyesight. Each time they leave their homes, they risk become a predator’s snack. So, whenever they go out, they keep a tentacle touching the fish. Gobies can see well. If danger approaches, they dive straight into the burrow. The shrimps feel them move and immediately follow.
Symbiosis is a wonder of nature. Completely unrelated animals co-operate and help each other. Sometimes our survival instincts lead us to help others. And, for ecosystems to survive, humans must learn to help other species. In the end, all life must share our home the earth.
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