Platydoras costatus as a cleaning fish?

Post by **Silurus** » 29 Jun 2003, 23:04

At the Manaus meeting today, I came across a poster suggesting that young P. costatus behaved like cleaning fish, much in the manner of the cleaner wrasses. The author had seen a young P. costatus swim across the head of a large Hoplias, apparently eating skin parasites off it. It was even suggested that the bold striped color pattern of the Platydoras helped advertise its service to other fish (just like cleaner wrasses).
Interesting idea.

S. Allen · Post by **S. Allen** » 30 Jun 2003, 01:27

Odd, never kept them, has anyone else who has seen this?

Sid Guppy · Post by **Sid Guppy** » 30 Jun 2003, 22:14

Interesting indeed! I've known Tanganyikan Syno's to do this, but never a Dorad.
Corydoras can do this trick too, especially with big Loricariids.

Kostas · Post by **Kostas** » 03 Jul 2003, 09:38

Wow,very intresting!Do any corydoras sp clean medium sized loricariids(15-20cm)?

Zack · Post by **Zack** » 03 Jul 2003, 20:01

Wow,certainly an interesting idea but it seems a little far fetched to me though. WHEN mine does come out he's not interested in the other fish,just interested in finding some grub and getting back to his hole as SOON as possible. Could be though. Certainly a very interesting fact, maybe its something they do more when they are in larger schools and will come out more readily and not be in a such a big hurry when they do come out??