Barbel Fish Clean Hippos Underwater

One of the most vicious animals in Africa, hippos are believed to murder more than 500 humans annually. Given their size, few few creatures would dare cross their boundaries since they are fiercely territorial. In spite of this, the barbel fish will assist a hippo and won't get in its way.

A hippo is prone to dry skin, just like everybody else. Additionally, the numerous creases and pits in that skin can become infected by parasites and bugs. In rivers, they have developed a mutualistic connection with the barbel fish, from which both species benefit. The barbel fish scrape the hippo's body with their tiny jaws, which resemble suckers.

This enables them to remove all the parasites and dead skin, so they can devour them. Everyone benefits from the hippo getting a thorough washing. Even the hippo's mouth is cleaned out by the fish. While performing their duties, one hippo can occasionally have dozens of the fish covering them.