Eel and Wrasse
A giant moray eel is being cleaned by a bluestreak cleaner wrasse. The wrasse eats parasites and dead tissue off the skin and teeth of the eel. The eel recognizes the smaller wrasse and will position its body for optimum cleaning. The eel will not eat the wrasse. Giant moray eels are predators of smaller fish. They have been observed helping coral groupers (another marine fish) hunt.
The relationship between the giant moray eel and the bluestreak cleaner wrasse is a mutualistic one. The eel benefits from the cleaning service provided by the wrasse, as it helps remove parasites and dead tissue, keeping the eel's skin and teeth healthy. In return, the wrasse benefits from the food source it obtains by feeding on parasites and dead tissue.
The recognition between the eel and the wrasse suggests that there is a level of communication and cooperation between the two species. The eel positions its body in a way that allows the wrasse to access and clean different areas effectively. This behavior shows a level of trust and understanding between the two animals.
It is interesting to note that while giant moray eels are predators of smaller fish, they have been observed helping coral groupers hunt. This behavior could be an example of interspecies cooperation, where the eels and groupers work together to capture prey. This cooperative behavior can benefit both species by increasing their chances of successfully hunting for food.