# Associations between fishes (Actinopterygii: Teleostei) and anthozoans (Anthozoa: Hexacorallia) in epipelagic waters based on in situ records

## TL;DR

This paper describes new associations between certain fish species and anthozoans in open ocean waters, suggesting mutual benefits for the anthozoans.

## Contribution

The study extends known fish-anthozoan associations beyond the seafloor into open water environments.

## Key findings

- Fish species like Aluterus schoepfii and Caranx cf. latus were observed with larval tube anemones and zoanthids.
- In situ observations suggest potential advantages for the anthozoans in these interactions.
- The study provides photographic evidence and behavioral insights from dives in Florida and Tahiti.

## Abstract

We formally describe the association of fishes and anthozoans in epipelagic waters, extending this relationship to beyond the benthos. In situ observations and photographs of Aluterus schoepfii, Ariomma regulus, Caranx cf. latus and Brama spp. swimming alongside or holding larval tube anemones (Cerianthidae and Arachnactidae) and larval zoanthids (Sphenopidae) were made during blackwater SCUBA dives off Palm Beach, Florida, USA, and off Punaauia, Tahiti, French Polynesia. We report and illustrate the behaviour of these interactions, and suggest an advantage for the anthozoans.