Association of a juvenile emperor red snapper (Lutjanus sebae) with a crucifix crab (Charybdis feriata) as a potential antipredator strategy on a sand flat

Abstract Species interactions on the continental shelf, especially sand flats, are understudied due to limited sampling of these areas. Here, we reported the association of a juvenile emperor red snapper ( Lutjanus sebae ) associating with a crucifix crab ( Charybdis feriata ) on a sand flat on Australia’s North West Shelf. We hypothesise that snappers exploit the crab’s defensive behaviour for protection from predators. To our knowledge, this is the first recorded instance of a juvenile fish associating with a crab for antipredator benefits, revealing a previously undocumented interaction and underscoring the ecological importance of sand flats for juvenile fish survival.