A Tuck and a Nip

Most listeners have heard of the little “cleaner fish” or wrasse that clean the teeth of larger fishes. New research on the behavior of these fishes shows that they are not always honest-business fish. Other fish, including those who might ordinarily consider a meal of “cleaner fish”, actually stand in line for their services. That’s because they need to have parasites and diseased tissue removed. They also know that the little “cleaner fish” offer massages.

It’s amazing enough that even potential predators will become clients for a good cleaning and massage. Researchers from the University of Cambridge in England observed 28 cleaning stations and discovered some unexpected behavior. Now and again, as a “cleaner fish” nibbles parasites off a customer, it might also bite out a chunk of healthy flesh. Wisely, they avoid this behavior when cleaning predators that could bite them back. Researchers also observed that potential customers were aware of this risk and closely watched how the current customer was being treated. They were more likely to seek services from a wrasse that didn’t nip any of the customers ahead of them. Of course, the wrasses were also aware of this and were observed to offer those customers they were likely to nip four-star treatment, including a massage.

Scripture teaches that man’s sin infected the whole creation. Thankfully, Christ came to bring us forgiveness.

1 Thessalonians 4:6
“That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.”

Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your laws, but as a sinner, I thank You even more for forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Ref: Science News, 11/2/02, p. 277, S. Milius, “Fish Fraud.” Photo: Wrasse by Leonard Lowe_CCA 2.0_