cleaner shrimp
Cleaner shrimp are small marine crustaceans known for their unique role in the ocean ecosystem. They belong to the family Hippolytidae and are often found in coral reefs. These shrimp have a distinctive appearance, featuring bright colors and long antennae. They are famous for their cleaning behavior, where they remove parasites and dead tissue from fish, benefiting both the shrimp and their clients.
These shrimp typically form cleaning stations, where fish come to be cleaned. The interaction is mutualistic; the fish receive a health benefit, while the shrimp gain a food source. Cleaner shrimp are an essential part of maintaining the balance in marine environments.