To read the original article in full go to : Young fishes caught carrying larval anemones for protection.
Below is a short summary and detailed review of this article written by FutureFactual:
Juvenile Fishes Carry Larval Anemones for Predator Defense in Open-Water Encounters
Researchers recording nocturnal dives off the coasts of Florida and Tahiti captured striking images of juvenile fishes hold larval invertebrates in their mouths. Species observed included filefish, driftfish, pomfrets and a horse-eye jack, each interacting with larvae from tube anemones or button polyps. Scientists propose that the invertebrates act as a deterrent against predators, creating a defensive barrier while the fish continue to swim. The study, published in the Journal of Fish Biology, suggests this may represent a form of open-water mutualism, potentially benefiting both the fish and the invertebrates through deterrence and dispersal. Lead author Gabriel Afonso and divers Rich Collins explain the observed behavior and its possible ecological significance. Source: Cosmos Magazine.