Aquarium experiments suggest that the mechanisms
underlying the crustacean–sea anemone association are
similar to those of the fish–sea anemone mutualism (Giese
et al., 1996). A crustacean species, Mithraculus sculptus,
associated with the sea anemone Condylactis gigantea,
placed in the tentacles of Stichodactyla helianthus was
immediately stung and ingested. The same result was
obtained when the crustacean associated with S. helianthus
was transferred to C. gigantea. However, when the crustacean
was allowed to acclimate to the new host as indicated
by seeking close contact with the column of the sea
anemone, it was seen moving unharmed among the
tentacles after 30 min. This is consistent with the previous
assertion that acquiring a mucous coat from the sea
anemone provides protection.