Wrasse (Cleaner)

About the Wrasse (Cleaner)

They operate cleaning stations where client fish visit to have parasites removed. They recognize over 100 client species. They prioritize cleaning higher-value clients. They can remember which clients they have recently serviced. They are essential for reef fish health. Studies show reefs without cleaner wrasse have more parasitized fish. They are sometimes parasitized themselves by mimic species that look like them but bite fins instead. They perform a characteristic dance to identify themselves as cleaners. They are among the most studied mutualistic relationships in ecology.