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.