cleaner wrasse
The cleaner wrasse is a small, colorful fish found in coral reefs across the tropical and subtropical oceans. They are known for their unique behavior of cleaning parasites and dead skin off larger fish, which benefits both the cleaner wrasse and its clients. This mutualistic relationship helps maintain the health of the reef ecosystem.
Cleaner wrasses typically grow to about 4 inches in length and have a distinctive blue and yellow coloration. They are often seen in cleaning stations, where fish like tangs and groupers come to be cleaned. This species plays a crucial role in the marine food web and contributes to the overall health of coral reef communities.