Pistol shrimps and gobies depend on each other for their shelter and protection, and they have a beneficial relationship with each other. What's this symbiotic relation called?

The given question is incomplete as it does not have the options which are:

A. commensalism

B. mutualism

C. parasitism

D. predator-prey

B. mutualism

Explanation:

The species in the ecosystem interact with each other in many ways and one such type of interaction in which both the species are equally benefitted is known as the mutualism.

When one species provides benefit to second species whereas the second species provides benefit to the first species in a way that the evolution has transformed the relationship into an inseparable or highly dependent relationship.

In the given question, the shrimp provide a safe habitat to the goby fish whereas goby fish protect the shrimps from the predators. Since both the species are benefitting each other therefore the species form a symbiotic relationship.

Thus, Option-B is the correct answer.