Ecology & Evolution of Mutualistic Cleaning Behaviors

Sea anemone symbioses are not only useful systems for understanding the genomics of symbiosis on coral reefs, but are also model systems for understanding the evolution and ecology of cooperative behaviors. To that end, I have developed a stream of research in collaboration with Dr. Dan Exton and biodiversity NGO Operation Wallace’s a (UK) on cleaner shrimp behavioral ecology and evolution. Using remotely deployed underwater video cameras, we have explored various aspects of the cleaning symbiosis in the Caribbean including the effects of diver presence (Titus et al., 2015a, PLOS One), temporal patterns of cleaning activity (Titus et al., 2015b, Mar. Biol. ), possible mimicry within cleaner shrimps (Titus et al., 2017c, Roy. Soc. Open Sci.), the evolution of cheating behaviors across ocean basins (Titus et al, 2019a, Sci. Rep.), and more (Romain et al., 2021; Rose et al., 2021). Work at our field site in Utila, Honduras has been ongoing from 2013-present.