Along for the Ride
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Chris Gug's Image

Against the darkness of the night-time sea, a juvenile swimming crab hitches a ride on a jellyfish.

Chris spotted this scene while scuba diving at night in Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

The relationship between the crab and the jellyfish is not clearly understood.

The crab could be catching a ride to save energy.

It could be using the stinging tentacles as protection from predators.

Or it could be using the jellyfish as a platform to spy out small fish to eat.

For Chris, the scene offered more questions than answers.

Does the crab eat the jellyfish? Does it steal particles of food? Do the crab’s sharp feet damage the jellyfish’s delicate bell?

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    Behind the lens

    Chris Gug

    USA

    Image details

    • Nikon Z8
    • 60mm f2.8 lens
    • 1/200 at f29  •   ISO 320  •   2x Backscatter Hybrid flashes
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