What do cleaner fish eat?

Cleaner fish are a fascinating group of fish that eat the parasites and dead tissue off of other larger fish. This is a symbiotic relationship, meaning both species benefit.

Here's what cleaner fish eat:

* Parasites: These are the main part of their diet. They eat external parasites like isopods, copepods, and even small fish that may be living on other fish.

* Dead tissue: They also consume dead skin, mucus, and other decaying matter found on their "clients". This helps keep the larger fish healthy.

* Algae: Some cleaner fish species supplement their diet with algae.

It's important to note that different species of cleaner fish have slightly different diets. For example, some specialize in certain types of parasites while others eat a broader range of food.

Here are some examples of cleaner fish and their specific diets:

* Bluestreak cleaner wrasse: These fish are known for their distinctive blue stripes and are common in coral reefs. They primarily eat parasites, but also consume algae.

* Yellow tang: This fish is a popular choice for saltwater aquariums. It grazes on algae, but also eats parasites and dead tissue.

* Cleaning goby: These small gobies are often found in association with larger fish, cleaning them of parasites. They have a specialized mouth that allows them to remove even small parasites.

Overall, cleaner fish play an important role in the health of coral reefs and other marine ecosystems by keeping their "clients" free of parasites and other harmful substances.