Page 89 - Caribbean Reef Life Demo

SPOTTED CLEANER SHRIMP (Periclimenes yucatanicus) < 2.5 cm / 1 in Transparent body with large spots down the back and sides. Purple spots on head. Bands on the claws and legs.
Cleaner shrimps get most of their food by offering their services to sh: removing parasites and even bits of torn or decaying esh from a wounded sh, helping it to heal. They advertise their cleaning services by waving their abnormally long antennae back and forth, signaling a readiness to get to work. Fish then indicate which parts of their bodies need cleaning by orienting themselves towards the cleaners, extending certain ns or opening their mouths or gill covers. The tiny claws of the ederson Cleaner Shrimp are perfect for delicate jobs such as removing debris from gills and eyes. For tougher jobs, including dentistry, a sh needs the larger Banded Coral Shrimp, with its strong muscular claws. The same cleaning station can have both species, offering a full service.
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