Who dares to clean the Atlantic goliath grouper? Ecological relationships involving Epinephelus itajara

Abstract

Cleaning activity is an important interaction that increases the health and survival of species worldwide. While most studies have focused on identifying cleaner and client species, studies focused on cleaning activity patterns on endangered species are still scarce. We investigated the cleaners of the Atlantic goliath grouper (AGG) Epinephelus itajara by literature review, search from social media sources and consulting the major database regarding AGG studies. Search on social media provided most records. We found nine reef fishes acting as cleaners exploring different parts of the AGG body, mostly the sharksucker Echeneis naucrates and the spanish hogfish Bodianus rufus. Most records involved AGG adults and were registered on shipwrecks. We believe that the rare nature of the records involving AGG in cleaning activities is due to the low population density of the species along its distribution (due to overfishing and habitat destruction), and through chafing behavior, but also the presence of a cleaner (Echeneis naucrates) attached to the body. The cleaning provided by remoras is discreet and difficult to perceive when the focus is on the AGG from a wider angle. In order to recover threatened species, a greater understanding of positive relationships, such as cleaning activities, is necessary.

Keywords:
Cleaning behavior; Cleaning of groupers; Cleaning symbiosis; Endangered species; Reef fishes