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Thread: Reef Dentistry

  1. #1
    ktuli's Avatar
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    Bill S

    Reef Dentistry

    More underwater photos to share today...

    Here's a Pederson Cleaner Shrimp working on the impressive chompers of a Spotted Moray Eel...

    Original:
    Reef Dentistry

    Cropped:
    Reef Dentistry

    For those wondering, there are certain species that live on the reef and provide a cleaning service - anything from removing parasites, dead skin, to that pesky morsel of food stuck in your teeth! There is kind of an unwritten rule that predators that would normally snack on such a little creature (usually cleaners are shrimp or small fish) don't prey on them in the cleaning stations. So what looks like a very precarious working condition is actually quite safe for the shrimp. The shrimp gets a meal, and the eel gets that annoying bit of food out from between its teeth.

    The natural world really is an awesome place.

    And as always, if you're enjoying the dive photography, feel free to stop by my blog for a more posts.

    - Bill

  2. #2
    jjbacoomba's Avatar
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    Re: Reef Dentistry

    Thanks Bill for letting us see something we dont see everyday. Awesome shot!

  3. #3
    ktuli's Avatar
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    Bill S

    Re: Reef Dentistry

    Just adding an additional shot here as follow-up to a question on Karl's thread...

    Reef Dentistry

    Nice teeth.

    - Bill

  4. #4
    Moderator Donald's Avatar
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    Just add 'MacKenzie'

    Re: Reef Dentistry

    My apologies, Bill, for having missed this thread first time around.

    A fascinating, as well as high quality, record of life in a part of the world that so few of us will ever get the chance to see first-hand.

  5. #5

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    Re: Reef Dentistry

    Gorgeous photos and absolutely fascinating information. Perhaps my dentist will accept my proposal that I provide him lunch in return for him clearning my teeth. Not including wine.

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