Cleaning symbiosis: mutualism near coral reefs

The cleaning symbiotic relationship performed by fish is one of the iconic ecological processes observed on tropical reefs. A cleaning symbiosis will mutually benefit the involved species. For example, when cleaner wrasses eat pesky parasites off the skin and gills of fish there may be an increase in the lifespan of the fish cleaned. As well, cleaners may groom fish by removing mucus, scales and skin. The cleaning symbiosis is of mutal benefit to both the cleaner (as food) and the fish client (through improved health).