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Cleaner wrasse prefer client mucus: support for partner control mechanisms in cleaning interactions
Alexandra S Grutter1, Redouan Bshary
1Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia. a.grutter@mailbox.uq.edu.au
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|December 12, 2003
Summary
Cleaner fish may eat client tissue, creating conflict. This study found cleaner fish (Labroides dimidiatus) prefer mucus and parasites over other food, suggesting partner control is vital for mutualistic cleaning relationships.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Animal Behavior
- Ecology
Background:
- Cleaning interactions in marine ecosystems involve specialized cleaner fish and their clients.
- Conflicts can arise over the cleaner's diet, which may include client tissue and ectoparasites.
- It remains unclear if cleaners prefer client tissue or consume it only when parasite foraging is unprofitable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dietary preferences of cleaner fish (Labroides dimidiatus).
- To determine if cleaner fish prefer client tissue (mucus) over ectoparasites or consume it opportunistically.
- To assess the implications for the stability of mutualistic cleaning relationships.
Main Methods:
- Cleaner fish were trained to feed from artificial plates.
- Offered food items included client mucus (from parrotfish Chlorurus sordidus), parasitic monogenean flatworms, parasitic gnathiid isopods, and a control (boiled flour glue).
- Feeding choices were recorded to analyze dietary preferences.
Main Results:
- Cleaner fish consumed significantly more mucus and monogeneans compared to gnathiids.
- Gnathiids were consumed more frequently than the control substance.
- Despite gnathiids being abundant ectoparasites, cleaners showed a preference for mucus and monogeneans.
Conclusions:
- Cleaner fish exhibit preferences within their diet, favoring mucus and certain parasites over others.
- The findings suggest a potential for conflict over food resources between cleaners and clients.
- Partner control is crucial for maintaining the mutualistic nature of cleaning symbioses.
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