Anemonefish use sialic acid metabolism as Trojan horse to avoid giant sea anemone stinging.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anemonefish association with sea anemones is a prime example of mutualistic symbiosis. These fish live inside the sea anemone, benefitting from the protection of its toxic nematocysts, and in return, protect the anemone from its own predators. How anemonefish manage to avoid their host toxic stings remains unclear. One hypothesis suggests that low levels of sialic acids in anemonefish mucus prevent nematocyst discharge.

Results

This study verified four predictions: (i) anemonefish mucus has lower sialic acid levels than non-symbiotic damselfish; (ii) this reduction is specific to mucus; (iii) during development, sialic acid levels inversely correlate with protection; (iv) sea anemone mucus has minimal sialic acids.

Conclusions

We conclude that anemonefish r

SUBMITTER: Roux N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11829568 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature