Wagner, Richard H., Phillips, David W., Standing, Jon D. and Hand, Cadet 1979. Commensalism or mutualism: attraction of a sea star towards its symbiotic polychaete. Journal of experimental marine biology and ecology 39: 205-210.
Wagner, R. H.; Phillips, D. W.; Standing, J. D.; Hand, C.
1979
Commensalism or mutualism: attraction of a sea star towards its symbiotic polychaete
Journal of experimental marine biology and ecology
39: 205-210
Publication
World Polychaeta Database (WPolyDb)
The sea star, Dermasterias imbricata (Grube), was chemically attracted to its symbiotic scaleworm, Arctonoe vittata (Grube), in a Y-choice apparatus. The sea star consistently chose its symbiont over food, other Dermasterias sp., and Arctonoe fragilis. The specificity and regularity of the response suggest that the host, as well as the symbiont, may benefit from the association.