Which predatory identity does this goby mimic?
(writing in progress)
Like other ocellated animals, the twinspot goby uses its eyespots to simulate the staring disembodied eyes of an undisclosed animal larger than itself. This does not mimic any particular animal because it deters would-be predators mainly by confusion. Which predatory identity does this goby mimic?
Like other ocellated animals, the twinspot goby uses its eyespots to simulate the staring disembodied eyes of an undisclosed animal larger than itself. This does not mimic any particular animal because it deters would-be predators mainly by confusion.
No biologist seems previously to have noticed that the twinspot goby resembles certain fierce crabs which share its habitat. The dark ventral fins of this fish suggest large pincers or the body shadow of a broad carapace, and its shuffling movement mimes not just crabs in general but portunid crabs1 in particular. Furthermore, the eyespots exaggerate the non-ocellated stalked eyes of the portunid crabs. This is likely to trick predators that are just smart enough to be gullible to errors of interpretation2. The choice of model is likely to be effective. Portunid crabs are intimidating because they have long pincers and can swim towards an intruder instead of merely retreating or hunkering. The overall effect of the display of the twinspot goby is a sinister cartoon based on the principles of caricature and animation as used in puppet shows. Although this fish mimes no particular species and its mimicry is abstract, what it invokes is the specific threat of irascible crabs with a particular ability to lunge defensively, rather than the vague threat of a generalised stare.
1often called swimming crabs
2as opposed to just errors of recognition
3often called swimming crabs
4as opposed to just errors of recognition
(writing in progress)
Comments
Add a Comment