A few days ago we wrote a follow-up piece to our Cell Phone Reef Photography. Unimaginatively titled Cell Phone Reef Photography with Apps, we focused on taking amazing pictures and videos with the most recent line of smartphones, more specifically the iPhone 4, with the help of several applications. Expanding on those articles, I would like to share a video that was shot with my cell phone.
Above is a short clip of a whitespot anemone shrimp (Periclimenes brevicarpalis) hanging out on a mini carpet anemone (Stichodactyla tapetum). This shrimp will hang out in just about any anemone or soft coral, as it uses its host for protection from potential predators. The ghost-like body blend right into the background, with several white spots breaking up its shape.
The mini carpet anemones, as their name suggests, are miniaturized versions of the much larger anemones from which they get their name. They stay small, getting no more than a few inches across, and can reproduce rapidly assuming the conditions are adequate. Over recent years, the mini carpet anemones have become increasingly popular, especially among the nano aquarium crowd. Given their unique color, who’s to blame those nano loving hobbyists?
