 |
| Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse (L. dimidiatus) And False Cleaner Wrasse (A. taeniatus) |
Appearances can be deceiving. In the case of the False Cleaner Wrasses, this statement could not be more true. As their name suggests, they look just like Cleaner Wrasses. They have the same streamlined bodies and differ only slightly in colour, shape of the dorsal fin and the snout. Even their movements mirror those of the original Cleaner Wrasse. So why has one species of fish evolved to mimic the appearance and behaviour of another ? The simple answer is food. False Cleaner Wrasses, also called Sabretooth Blennies or Fang Blennies, feed on the flesh, scales, eggs and fins of other fishes. Their inconspicuous disguise helps them approach unsuspecting fish along with Cleaner Wrasses. These Cleaner Wrasses are actually harmless and only feed off the parasites living on the fish. The Blennies, however, once close enough, will bite off the scales or fins of the fish and swim away before it can react. Some experienced fishes have learnt to recognize the difference but most allow these seemingly harmless creatures to approach them, oblivious to the impending danger. These fish found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, are solitary or seen in pairs or small groups. They may show themselves only when the Cleaner Wrasses are around. Until then they hide in empty worm tubes or small burrowed holes. With a name like Sabretooth Blenny and a set of teeth and personality to match, all other fishes better beware of these disguised occupants of the ocean.
