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One of the most fundamental aspects of symbioses is how the symbionts establish the association. The Sargassum community is comprised of a unique and diverse assemblage of symbiotic organisms, most of which are likely seeking refuge. Host location of the Sargassum habitat by two of the most common invertebrate symbionts, Latreutes fucorum and Leander tenuicornis, was investigated. Based on our trials, neither shrimp species used chemical cues, in the absence of visual cues. Habitat selection of both shrimp species was also examined under a variety of conditions. Our results show that L. fucorum and L. tenuicornis can distinguish visually between different structures and habitats. Specifically, they selected live Sargassum over artificial Sargassum. Moreover, L. fucorum selected Sargassum natans over Sargassum fluitans when only visual cues were available, whereas large-sized L. tenuicornis selected S. fluitans under the same conditions. Conversely, habitat selection trials combining both chemical and visual cues resulted in no preference between the two Sargassum species by either shrimp species. Additional ecological factors that might influence habitat location and selection are discussed, and the importance of Sargassum in terms of pelagic fisheries management.

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