ASPECTOS ETOLOGICOS Y ECOLOGICOS DE CAMARONES LIMPIADORES DE PECES (Natantia: Palaemonidae, Hippolytidae, Stenopodidae).

Abstract

"Ethological and Ecological Aspects of Fish Cleaner Shrimp (Natantia: Palaemonidae, Hippolytidae, Stenopodidae)". Field observations by means of diurnal and nocturnal SCUBA diving, were made on the ethology of the fish cleaner shrimp of Santa Marta Bay (Colombia) and Young Island Channel (Saint Vincent Island, W. I.), from January to September 1976. Detailed notes on the cleaning behavior of two diurnal shrimp species and of three nocturnal ones were recorded, along with data on the frequency of cleaning particular fish species. The diurnal shrimp showed a preference in cleaning the mouth and gills of their hosts. The nocturnal ones showed a preference towards the external surfaces. The different poses assumed by the fish during day and night, suggest that these can differentiate the tactile stimuli of nocturnal and diurnal cleaners. In addition, some ecological notes on these shrimp and on other species considered as possible cleaners, were made.