NATURALWORLD
▲ Different species attend a cleaning station in La Paz , Mexico . The cleaner here is not a wrasse , but the barberfish ( also known as the blacknosed butterflyfish ) on the lower right side of the image . Such seemingly unnatural gatherings often indicate an active cleaning area
This batfish in Papua New Guinea turned a pale white to indicate its desire for a clean . The wrasse can be seen working inside the gills and mouth , both common areas for parasites .
▲ Here , an open section on a wreck provides shelter for a cleaning station . The client fish , burrito snapper , feel more secure in the small enclosure . Again , the cleaner is a barberfish .
in the cleaning station there exists a truce that allows the wrasse to operate safely . When a visitor approaches , it is greeted by the cleaning squad , who perform a ritualistic dance , bobbing their rears up and down . Meanwhile , the client fish recognises them thanks to their distinctive lateral stripes , and of course the ‘ welcome ’ dance .
Pleasantries exchanged , the client fish adopts a pose , unique to each species , allowing the wrasse access to the parts other fish cannot ( or dare not ) reach . Mouths , gills , fins may all be extended to facilitate a thorough cleanse . Then the client departs when it feels the job is complete , and the next client rocks up .
For the diver , the challenge is to observe the ritual without disrupting it . Your first task is to identify the station and its boundaries – watch for the neon flashes of the wrasse , or what may appear an unnatural gathering of different species . The client fish may appear to be crowding or circling a patch of reef , rather than forming a disciplined school .
There should follow an orderly approach , with no sudden movements . Stay low on the reef , obviously without making any contact , and approach the station in gradual increments . Any sudden movements or loss of control will destroy the fragile ritual taking place in front of you . So , insinuate yourself slowly as you edge closer , and be prepared to fin backwards if the fish start to look twitchy . Your breathing should be
Crustaceans are also known to specialise in cleaning services . Here , a banded cleaner shrimp is cleaning dead skin from the face of a moray eel at Daedalus Reef , Egypt .
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