Mosquito Nets

We as humans have lived comfortably mosquito and black fly free thanks to the invention of bug spray. But can you imagine what it would be like to have to face hungry blood sucking insects with out a shield? It would be very unpleasant and would most likely increase our risk of contracting diseases and it would make us very itchy and all in all, not a very fun camping experience. Now, would you expect pests like ours to be a problem under water? Probably not one of the biggest problems with living in the sea but it is still a threat to many marine species. And some species have come up with a mechanism to keep the bed bugs out while they are trying to get some shut eye.

A recent study found that Parrotfish and Wrasses are capable of creating their own "mosquito nets" out of mucus produced by large glands behind their gills. While the parrotfish go to sleep, the mucus is secreted and envelopes their entire body, leaving only a small hole at the mouth so they can breath. This, researchers aren't completely sure why this net works but they believe, might help to prevent chemical signals from the fish from reaching parasites as well as provide a physical barrier between the parasites and the fish, and block their odors from escaping and reaching the parasites.

During the day, parrotfish and wrasses allow cleaner fish in their coral reefs to cleanse them of harmful parasites but at night, when they sleep, they have no defense. The protection gained from these nets is why, researchers believe, the mucus nets have evolved. Another interesting observation is that these mucus nets can also envelope a second fish and protect a cozy pair of sleeping Parrotfish.

Source: http://news.discovery.com/animals/fish-pest-control.html

By,

Meghan Nichols