Escort fish are very important members of the marine world. They are dependent and have special relationships with other bigger fish and other sea animals. Their relationships between other bigger fish and sea animals show how different parts of the ocean ecosystem are connected. Escort fish help by cleaning the larger fish and sea animals. And the larger fish help them by providing protection and finding food. And thus both help to keep the ocean environment healthy and balanced. However, before discussing more about these fish, let us first explain what is escort fish.
What Is Escort Fish?
Escort fish are actually small fish species that help or follow other large fish or sea animals. They often stay close to bigger fish or sea animals such as Turtles or Manta Rays. They always stay close to such large sea creatures mainly to get benefits or protection. For example, Escort fish can help the larger fish and sea animals by eating parasites from their body. And doing this is helpful for both. Escort fish get protection and food from the larger sea creature’s body, and the larger creatures remain healthy if they become free from parasites.
Sometimes, Escort fish also get leftover food from their large companions. And this kind of relationship between small and large sea creatures is called mutualism. Because both the Escort fish and the bigger fish or sea animal gain something from each other. Escort fish always stay near the larger fish or sea animals to enjoy these benefits and also to avoid potential danger. This relationship and behavior is an important part of ocean life, because it helps different species get along and support each other.
How Do Escort Fish Help Large Fish And Sea Animals?
Escort fish help large fish and sea animals in many different ways. Here we are trying to list some notable ways about how they help large fish and sea animals.
Cleaning and removing parasites: The main way Escort fish help large fish and sea animals is through cleaning. Some escort fish, such as Cleaner Wrasses, eat parasites, dead skin, and mucus from larger fish. By doing this, they help the large fish and sea animals to stay healthy and free from harmful parasites. This cleaning process is called “cleaning symbiosis”.
Getting food: Escort fish sometimes get food from the large fish and sea animals they follow. They eat the leftover food from the larger fish and helps to keep the ocean environment clean.
Safety and protection: Escort fish also often follow the large fish and sea animals for protection. For example, small Escort fish might stay near a large sea Turtle or a Manta Ray to stay safe from the predators.
Some Examples Of Escort Fish
There are several fish species in the ocean environment which are known for their escort behavior. Some common and notable examples are:
Cleaner wrasses: Cleaner wrasses are one of the most famous and well-known Escort fish. They are well known for their cleaning services. They remove parasites and dead skin from the body of large fish and sea animals.
Remoras: Remoras, also known as suckerfish, have a specialized organ on their heads that acts like a suction cup. And this organ allows them to attach themselves to larger marine animals, such as sharks, rays, and turtles. Remoras generally fed on parasites, dead skin, and leftover food from their host. And they get protection form predators, and also get transportation as their host moves through the water.
Pilot fish: Pilot fish is another Escort fish that often swim alongside sharks. They follow these large predators to benefit from leftover scraps of food and also to avoid predators.
Why Are Escort Fish Important?
The Escort fish are very important in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystem.
Ecosystem balance: Escort fish help in controlling the population of parasites in the ocean. And this balance helps to prevent the spread of diseases among marine animals and helps to maintain a healthy environment for all other species.
Health of large fish and sea animals: Escort fish helps the large fish and sea animals by cleaning parasites and dead skin.
Support for marine species: The mutualistic relationships between escort fish and larger fish and sea animals helps to contribute the survival of various marine species. For example, cleaner wrasses provide a vital service for many fish, while the remoras and pilot fish have their own survival strategies.
Marine habitats are under threat due to pollution, climate change, and human activities. And as their environment change, Escort fish might loss their homes or face difficulties finding their larger hosts. Overfishing also gradually reducing the number of large fish and other sea animals, and the escort fish are affecting. However, creating marine protected areas can help to preserve the habitats of Escort fish and ensure that fish populations can thrive. And we also have to implement sustainable fishing practices to prevent overfishing. Doing this will benefits both Escort fish and large fish and other sea animals.
Yes, you are right! Escort fish are really very important for keeping the ocean environment clean.