The squat lobsters, Munida quadrispina, eat zooplankton and use their antennae to detect zooplankton movement in the water. The spot prawn, Pandalus platyceros, detects zooplankton with its antennae as well. M. quadrispina juveniles dwell atop a syringella sponge so that possible predators cannot sneak up behind them. Notice the extended chelipeds ready to defend or catch food.
The syringella sponge is partially covered with sediment. These sponges are sessile filter-feeders, and small crustaceans, like squat lobsters, may use them for protection. Suberitidae sponges, in the upper left corner, have a fine texture, and possess siliceous spicules.
