The interplay of satiation and temptation affects cleaner fish foraging behavior and service quality

Our study revealed intriguing behaviours in cleaner fish, highlighting how satiation and temptation influence their cleaning interactions. Cleaner fish generally prefer to 'cheat' and eat the client's mucus rather than clean off parasites. We show that as cleaner fish get hungrier and the temptation gets stronger, they cheat more often. Understanding these behaviours can provide insights into how animals adjust their foraging strategies in response to changing environments.
, , # Data from: The interplay of satiation and temptation affects cleaner fish foraging behavior and service quality

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.cc2fqz6kh](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.cc2fqz6kh)

## Description of the data and file structure

We combined reanalysed field observations with laboratory experiments to test how cleaner fish (*Labroides dimidiatus*) service quality varies with hunger state. Field data from Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt, included 16 adult cleaners observed for 3–4 hours each, recording client species, interaction duration, and jolts (a proxy for cheating). Cleaners were classified as “satiated” when interacting with residents immediately after high feeding sequences of visitor clients, and as “hungry” otherwise. Jolt rates per client species were then compared between these states.

In laboratory experiments at Lizard Island (2010, 2017, 2018), adult female cleaners interacted with client fishes or Plexiglas plates offering preferred prawn vs less-preferre..., , #### **Changes after Oct 9, 2025:** 

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