When we think of friends, we think of shared interests or experiences, whether it’s going to the same club or school, or enjoying common hobbies. But animals who are best friends have a more special bond. In this relationship, species interact closely, each receiving an essential benefit for their survival or well-being. Some of these animal friendship rituals may seem incomprehensible, ridiculous, or even dangerous, but they provide numerous examples of how friendships can thrive even when physically separated.
The Animals That Are Best Friends
When you think of friendship, what comes to mind? A late-night phone conversation? Watching a movie and sharing pizza? Sharing laughs over a beer? Friendship is a central part of the human experience. Our stories, songs, and conversations are woven with threads of friendship. Scientifically, two individuals are considered friends if they consistently prefer each other over others. However, humans aren’t the only ones forming friendships. Some animals are best friends, and you might not even know it. Here’s why and who they are:
Lizard and Scorpion
The lizard provides the scorpion with a space in its burrow in exchange for protection; if a predator tries to attack the lizard, the scorpion stings it with its venom.
Frog and Tarantula
The frog eats small insects attracted by the remains of the tarantula’s meals and its eggs. In return, the amphibian receives protection from the tarantula, which prevents its “pet” from being devoured by snakes and large arthropods.
Oxpecker and Buffalo
The oxpecker, a bird species found in sub-Saharan Africa, often rides on the backs of large mammals like rhinos and hippos, feeding on insects on their skin. While not directly related to buffalo, which are native to North America and Europe, the oxpecker has a symbiotic relationship with the Cape buffalo in South Africa, a similar animal.
Clownfish and Anemone
The clownfish’s defining characteristic is its relationship with anemones, predatory marine creatures with colorful and venomous tentacles. The clownfish lives, shelters, reproduces, and even feeds surrounded by anemones.
Remora and Sharks
Also known as the suckerfish or shark sucker, the remora likely has a mutual arrangement with sharks. It moves around the shark, removing ectoparasites and cleaning its skin, as it feeds on parasites called copepods and primarily on the shark’s feces.
Moray Eels and Cleaner Shrimp
Moray eels carry many parasites on their skin, so one of their best friends is the cleaner shrimp. Moray eels will seek out a “cleaning station” or a place where cleaner shrimp gather and wait for the shrimp to “clean” them.
This story was written in Spanish by Perla Vallejo in Ecoosfera.
