Gene losses, parallel evolution and heightened expression confer adaptations to dedicated cleaning behaviour.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cleaning symbioses are captivating interspecific interactions in which a cleaner fish removes ectoparasites from its client, contributing to the health and diversity of natural fish communities and aquaculture systems. However, the genetic signatures underlying this specialized behaviour remain poorly explored. To shed light on this, we generated a high-quality chromosome-scale genome of the bluestreak cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus, a dedicated cleaner with cleaning as primary feeding mechanism throughout its life.

Results

Compared with facultative and non-cleaner wrasses, L. dimidiatus was found with notable contractions in olfactory receptors implying their limited importance in dedicated cleaning. Instead, given its distinct tactile pre-conflict strategie

SUBMITTER: Kang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10463495 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature