Behavior
C
Cleaning Station
Quick Definition
A fixed site on a reef where cleaner fish (or shrimp) remove parasites, dead tissue, and debris from "client" fish in a mutualistic relationship.
📖 Full Definition
A cleaning station is a specific location, often at a prominent coral head, where cleaner organisms (typically wrasses of the genus Labroides or cleaner shrimp) advertise their services through characteristic colour, location, and behaviour (dancing). Client fish approach and adopt distinctive postures (open mouth, spread fins, vertical orientation) that inhibit the cleaner's flight response and signal willingness to be cleaned. Cleaners inspect the skin, gills, and oral cavity, removing ectoparasites, mucus, and damaged tissue. This mutualism benefits both parties.
💡 Examples & Context
The bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) operates permanent cleaning stations on coral reefs, servicing up to 2000 client fish per day.