If you’ve ever gone diving in tropical seas wearing shorts, you’ve probably felt a little sting on your skin during your dives. And, most likely, the one responsible for that tiny sting is none other than the Labroides dimidiatus fish.
All About the Labroides dimidiatus Fish
This small fish is famous for being the quintessential reef cleaner, but it’s not the only one. It’s estimated that there are over 208 species of cleaner fish and more than 11 species of cleaner shrimp. But what does it mean to be a cleaner?
In ecosystems, both terrestrial and marine, there are different types of relationships between animals beyond the classic predator-prey or parent-offspring interactions. Some of these relationships occur between different species, and while there’s usually one animal that benefits, sometimes there can also be others that are harmed.
Normally, these relationships are formed to obtain resources. For example, one relationship that might sound familiar is parasitism, in which one organism gains a reward (the parasite) while the other is harmed by it (the host). There are, however, other types of relationships that are much more beneficial to all involved.
Examples of Marine Relationships
A mutualistic relationship is one in which both animals benefit, such as the relationship between corals and zooxanthellae algae, which we’ve discussed in another blog post. In this relationship, corals get food from the zooxanthellae, while these microscopic algae find shelter within the coral reefs.
And it’s precisely this type of relationship—mutualism—that is formed between cleaner animals and their “clients.” These animals feed on leftover food, dead tissue, and parasites found on the skin, gills, and mouths of marine animals, while providing a cleaning service in return.
It is also known that this relationship doesn’t happen by chance, as the “clients” often actively seek out the cleaners. In fact, many reefs already have so-called “cleaning stations” where these cleaner fish can be found waiting for other fish to come for cleaning.
This cleaning benefits all who approach the cleaning stations, since the cleaners remove many parasites and bacteria. So much so, that many studies link the health of ecosystems to the abundance of cleaner species.
The more cleaner organisms there are in an ecosystem, the healthier all its members will be and, ultimately, the ecosystem as a whole.
There are even studies where cleaner fish were removed from some reefs to see what effect their absence had on other species. In these studies, it was found that most fish migrated to other reefs, and those remaining in the area without cleaners became infected with fungi.
Some of these clients can vary throughout the year. For example, in the Caribbean, parrotfish are often the preferred clients during the dry season, while surgeonfish are the most abundant at cleaning stations during the windy seasons.
Moreover, as we’ve mentioned, it’s not only fish that perform this cleaning. The cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) plays a similar role to that of cleaner fish, removing parasites and food debris from other marine animals. Its relationship with fish is so close that it’s sometimes even allowed inside their mouths to clean them. And yes, even inside divers’ mouths too.
Want to Dive and Discover These Cleaning Stations?
If you also want to be one of these divers, or witness these interactions live, join one of our upcoming trips!
Cleaning stations are usually found in coral reef areas, where various species gather to receive attention.
Top Diving Spots
With us, you’ll be able to dive in the best coral reefs in the world: from the Coral Triangle in the Pacific, with incredible diving spots like Raja Ampat, Sipadan, or Malapascua, to the other side of the world in the unique reefs of Jardines de la Reina.
Whether you’re a lover of large mammals wanting to see them in paradises like Baja California or French Polynesia, or you’re an adventure seeker wanting to dive with sharks in South Africa, all these places offer life-changing dives where you can witness these unique moments between marine animals.
So what are you waiting for? Will you stay on land?
