Dhigali Maldives - Manta Cleaning Station

3D Model

Within the Maldive atolls, one can encounter rocks and coral elevations that serve as habitats for a diverse range of marine fauna. Among the inhabitants are wrasses, small and elongated fish known for their swiftness. Equipped with petite mouths, these fish feed on parasites residing on the skin of other fish. When they gather in substantial numbers and establish themselves in locations such as the mentioned mounds, it qualifies as a cleaning station due to the phenomenon known as “cleaning symbiosis.”

How does the functioning of a manta cleaning station unfold? Essentially, any area inhabited by these “cleaner fish” transforms into a cleaning station. These fish exhibit territorial behavior, and other fish seeking their services need only visit that specific location to undergo deworming. The number of cleaning fish required depends on the size of the animal seeking the cleaning service.