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Newly discovered shrimp inside a whales mouth.
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet sharks and, the largest known extant fish species. They are usually, found in open waters of the tropical oceans, and can rarely found in water below 21 degrees. Their life span is generally around 70 years, and presumably, they can live up to a 150 years.
Most species in the ocean have a symbiotic relationship with one another. Some species assist each other with the hunting process, others help with the cleaning process and some help each other find new homes. These processes are truly magnificent to watch underwater. About a week ago I came across an article online, and in this article, scientists from Japan were exclaiming how these new- found creatures (amphipods) were residing within one of the largest sea mammals mouth. Amphipods, a large group of small shrimp-like creatures, they can be found all around the globe. In most cases, in places that hold enough moisture.
“While scuba diving in a fish preserve off Yomitan Village on the Japanese island of Okinawa, researchers used a suction pump to collect samples from the big fish, including material from its gills. In total, the scuba divers collected 357 male amphipods and 291 female crustaceans, and estimated that there were at least, 1000 critters “partying” inside. “
“This creature, which is usually 3-5 centimetres long (1-2 inches), is amazing because they can live in so many different kinds of environment, but I did not expect we would find one inside the mouth of a whale shark.” _Professor Tomikawa tells AFP
The species were, scanned using an electron microscope and sequenced its DNA, establishing that it was indeed a new species in the genus Podecerus. It was in turn, officially given the name Podecerus Jinbe. Jinbe is the Japanese term for whale shark.
Generally, if one has an undeniable love for observation, research and reading collected materials by researchers, the symbiotic relationship between most crustaceans and some ocean invertebrates and vertebrates should be of sound knowledge.
Speaking to a fellow friend of mine regarding this newfound species, he said, “I could totally understand why these creatures would choose to inhabit the mouth of a whale shark. It is generally the best place for such a small species to find refuge. With the amount of seawater, as well as food, which constantly enters the whale’s mouth, this is an undeniable win for the crustacean.”
According to this paper, Gizmodo, the sheer number of Podecerus jinbe on the fish’s gills appeared to make it difficult for the whale shark to breathe. The crustaceans ended up dying from unknown causes about three months after being, collected by researchers for testing purposes.
“Some amphipods are known to swarm creatures that enter their territory, including human scuba divers. It is entirely possible that they gloomed onto a wandering whale shark without intending to.” – Tomikawa
These newfound species only prove to us of how much, is still not known by many people.
Thank you for reading this article. As more information becomes known, I will share it with you.
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