Scientists study reef fishes not only because of the diverse sampling of species but also because of the range of behaviours and relationships between species and other animals that is available for analysis. Intense competition and predation have caused fishes to carve out special niches. Mimicry and camouflage offer just two ways for species to blend in with their surroundings. Symbiotic relationships between fish and other organisms also occur with frequency on coral reefs. The anemonefish share their habitat with sea anemones in a symbiotic relationship that scientists have yet to unravel completely. The defensive nematocysts of the anemone are used to stun prey, but the anemonefish are resistant to these stinging cells. Researchers believe that the fish secrets a mucous coating that mimics that of the anemone allowing for chemical signals to prohibit the firing of the cells. One theory holds that the fish obtain these chemicals by rubbing against the sea anemone's tentacles. The benefits, if any, to the anemone for having these fish live with them are not clear.

Conside all that apply

Which of the following options provides the rationale behind why scientists study reef fishes?

A. Scientists want to study the anemoneship, which is only found in reefs.
B. The reefs provide scientists with a wide variety of fish species in one place.
C. The reefs provide scientists with several examples of interdependence between different species.



Select the sentence in the passage that explains how species in coral reefs can blend in with their environment.