The Cleaner Wrasse - Helping to Keep Fish Parasite FreeThe ecologically diverse coral reef at our backdoor is home to over 4,000 species of fish. All these species play a role in the reef ecosystem; some fish provide food for other animals, while others clean damaging algae from the reef. Still other species have symbiotic relationships with other fish, a relationship in which both species benefit. One of the most striking examples of symbiosis involves the cleaner wrasse. This fish is responsible for setting up what are known as "cleaning stations," providing a valuable service to other fish by picking off and "cleaning" its customers of parasites and dead tissue. The wrasse, in turn, receives nutrients from the parasites and tissue. The parasites that the wrasse consume are organisms that live on or within the body of a host, in this case a fish. Often, parasites are simply small crustaceans that live between the scales of fish and feed on its tissue. It is not known whether these critters, which are a fact of life for many fish, are anything more than an annoyance, but it is clear that most fish prefer to have them removed. For this removal, many fish turn to the cleaner wrasse to get the job done.
Almost all marine species are
actively involved in close symbiotic relationships with at least one
other species in their community. The unique relationship between the
cleaner wrasse and the fish it cleans at the "cleaning stations" are an
important and impressive example of symbiosis. Not only does the
satisfied customer leave parasite free, but also the wrasse enjoys a
protein rich meal.
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