Free+Journal+Entry+2

I have chosen to concentrate on the biotic factors of my Eco-place. On November 1st, 2008, I approached my chosen tide-pool with a digital camera in hand. To my dismay, the Blennies all fled at my approach. My presence also alarmed several crabs residing in the nearby mass of stones. The crabs scuttled frantically down the sides of the stones and withdrew into the shadows. After climbing precariously over the stones, I was able to attain several photographs of the elusive crabs. However, they remain intangible, for I was not able to acquire a single lucid photograph of one entire crab. The Blennies were nearly equally as difficult to photograph. Whenever I approached their tide-pool, they would dash into their rocky alcove before my camera view could focus. Finally, after repeated attempts to photograph the Blennies, I was rewarded by submission on the Blennies' behalf. I can only assume that they grew hungry and weary of escaping my sight; and therefore decided to feed regardless of my attention. One by one, the Blennies emerged from their alcove and settled onto an algae suffused surface. To an ignorant observer, They appeared to be stupefied, but knowing that they feed on algae with their downward angled mouths, I can conclude that they were consuming algae while I scrutinized them.

I have not yet discovered exactly what species of Blenny resides in my tide-pool, but having attained photographic reference, I can now proceed with more ease. The same goes for the crabs and algae. Although, I suspect that these two will be significantly more difficult to identify.

Now that I contemplate it more deeply, it seems to me that the relationship between the Blennies and the algae is not that of a predator and prey, but of mutualism. The Blennies feed on the algae, breed, and defecate. When they defecate, their feces settles onto the interior of the tide-pool. In turn, the feces provides the organic nutrients necessary for algae to germinate. Then, the algae can expand its body mass and provide more food for the Blennies. Also, in their own way, the crabs contribute to the survival of the Blennies by occasionally expiring within the tide-pool, and thereby providing more food for the Blennies, and organic matter for the algae.



Having gathered these verifications of my suspicions, I can conclude that a mutualistic relationship exists between these three animals. Upon my next visit, I will research the specific identities of these animals.