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How do wrasses benefit larger fishes by removing parasites?

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A porcupine fish in the Andaman Sea — fish *Diodon hystrix* is a species of porcupine fish. These fishes are short and broad-bodied, with large eyes and spines covering their skin. Like puffer fishes, they inflate their bodies when threatened.

Wrasses, specifically those of the genus Labroides, provide a significant benefit to larger fishes by acting as cleaner fishes. By removing parasites and dead tissue from the skin, mouths, and gill chambers of their "clients," these wrasses help the larger fish stay clean and healthy.123

This interaction is a classic example of mutualism. The larger fishes, which include species such as groupers, eels, jacks, and snappers, recognize the cleaner wrasse and suspend their predatory instincts, often entering a trance-like state to allow the wrasse to work safely. In exchange for this service, the wrasse gains a reliable source of food. These interactions typically occur at specific locations known as "cleaning stations," which are visited regularly by the larger fishes.213