 |
Labroides
phthirophagus
(Randall,
1958)
|
| Common Name: Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse Distribution: Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll. |
| Remarks: This species is closely allied to the other species of cleaner wrasses seen elsewhere in the Pacific. These fishes have evolved a unique behavior and habit that ensures a steady diet of ectoparasites, and immunity from most predatory fishes, most of which seem quite content to trade a feeding opportunity for a cleaning session. |
| Photo © 1997 by Richard L. Pyle This page last revised 09 June 1997 |