photo

The Eastern Cleaner Clingfish

The Eastern cleaner clingfish cleans parasites off of larger fish.
(Tony Brown, Flickr)

The Eastern cleaner-clingfish (Cochleoceps orientalis) has its job title in its name: “cleaner.” They prove invaluable to larger fish by removing parasites to keep the larger fish clean and healthy. To do their job, Eastern cleaner-clingfish move by clinging onto different surfaces instead of swimming themselves. They can hold onto kelp or sponges with a strong grip before moving onto a fish. The Eastern cleaner-clingfish also lays its eggs while holding onto these stationary objects. The eggs are then guarded by the father from any possible threats.