Don't Eat the Cleaners!: Tiny Fish with a Big Job

Even though they live underwater, fish have to get clean, just like you. But they get it done in a weird and wonderful way.

Just like you have to take a bath and brush your teeth, fish also have basic hygiene practices they have to follow every day. But their approach to cleanliness doesn't just take place underwater—it involves a network of larger ocean animals washed by small fish and shrimp called cleaners at coral reef cleaning stations around the world. Cleaners specialize in species, have evolved to communicate with their customers, and serve up to 2000 customers a day. Fish in need of cleaning have also learned how to request service and may have to wait patiently and return frequently--sometimes 100 times a day.

In her latest work of nonfiction, award-winning author Susan Stockdale explores the interconnected relationship between the residents of coral reefs in a child-friendly and entertaining book.