Abstract
The relationship between the two encrusting sponges, Suberites rubrus (Sole-cava & Thorpe, 1986) and Suberites luridus (Sole-cava & Thorpe, 1986) and the pectinid bivalve mollusc Chlamys opercularis (Linnaeus) was shown to be a protective-com mensal mutualism. The sponge protected the scallop from asteroid predation (Asterias rubens, L.) probably by reducing their tube-feet adhesion and also by excluding the settlement of other taxa likely to hinder the scallop's mobility. The sponge benefited in turn by protection from predation by the nudibranch Archidoris pseudoargus (Pallas) and more generally from transport to favourable locations. Both Asterias and Archidoris were frequently observed moving directly towards their prey, possibly indicating chemotaxic mechanisms. Yet, the sponges did not appear to confer any chemical protection to the scallop from asteroid attack .Similarly the living scallop conferred no chemical protection to the sponge.
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