Re: NANFA-- River Reef Report 7/31 Larry is FREE

Bruce Stallsmith (fundulus_at_hotmail.com)
Thu, 01 Aug 2002 09:48:01 -0400

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It's not unheard of for fish to "groom" each other. On many coral reefs,
there are species of cleaner wrasses who specialize in removing external
parasites on other fishes. An individual will be at the same place on the
same reef each day, and other fishes, even sharks, will line up patiently
waiting for the wrasse's attention. I've never heard of this with North
American catfishes, but I'm not surprised that they show a learned behavior
and recognize you (Kahley) as a feeder and friend. He's a lucky fish!

--Bruce Stallsmith
Huntsville, AL, US of A

>Thank you Lee for being willing to help if needed. I try hard
>not to attribute more intellect to these fish than is warranted
>but it really did seem as if he knew what I wanted to do and
>remarkably, he is not shy of me "post operatively". I thought
>for sure he'd never come near me again, but he feeding
>from my hand as if nothing happened.
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