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cleaner fish
cleaner fish A fish (e.g. the cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus) that removes ectoparasites (see parasitism) from other fish (which are usually much larger in size). Cleaner fish have conspicuous colour markings which make them easily recognizable to their temporary ‘host’, allowing them to come close with little risk of being eaten. About 45 species of cleaner fish are known.
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Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "cleaner fish." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "cleaner fish." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-cleanerfish.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "cleaner fish." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-cleanerfish.html |
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cleaner fish
cleaner fish Fish (e.g. the cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus) that remove ectoparasites (see PARASITISM) from other fish (which usually are much larger in size). Cleaner fish have conspicuous colour markings which make them easily recognizable to their temporary ‘host’, allowing them to come close with little risk of being eaten. About 45 species of cleaner fish are known.
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Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "cleaner fish." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "cleaner fish." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-cleanerfish.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "cleaner fish." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-cleanerfish.html |
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