# @natgeosociety on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DbbmJH6iUYc
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68611061-natgeosociety-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2059c12c8f.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-30T20:55:38.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** National Geographic Society (@natgeosociety) — https://gondola.cc/natgeosociety

## Caption

Catch a ride for a back scratch? Now that's a symbiotic relationship!

The Spanish dancer nudibranch accumulates toxins from the sponges it eats, making it unpalatable to predators. The emperor shrimp takes advantage of this heavily protected, mobile fortress, by hitching a ride. While riding the sea slug, the shrimp picks off parasites and detritus — and can even snatch food particles from the Spanish dancer's meals.

This Spanish dancer (Hexabranchus sanguineus) and emperor shrimp (Zenopontonia rex) were documented by #NatGeoExplorer and #PhotoArk founder JoelSartore in Hualien, Taiwan.

Photo Ark uses the power of photography to inspire people to delve into the captivating lives and remarkable behaviors of wildlife and explore solutions to safeguard them from growing threats.

## Stats

- **Views:** 109,760
- **Likes:** 7,845
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 36

## Tags

natgeoexplorer, photoark

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