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Pairs of cooperating cleaner fish provide better service quality than singletons

Author

Listed:
  • Redouan Bshary

    (University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11 Case postale 158, 2009 Neuchâtel, Switzerland)

  • Alexandra S. Grutter

    (University of Queensland, School of Integrative Biology, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia)

  • Astrid S. T. Willener

    (University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11 Case postale 158, 2009 Neuchâtel, Switzerland)

  • Olof Leimar

    (Stockholm University)

Abstract

Evolution of cooperation: two heads are better than one The evolution of cooperation between unrelated individuals is a puzzle for researchers in both the social and natural sciences. One possible obstacle to a greater understanding of the phenomenon is the tendency for theorists and experimentalists to work independently. Bshary et al. avoid that charge by combining game theory modelling, field observations and experimental testing in a study of a hitherto unexplored problem of cooperation, the cleaning mutualism between stable male–female pairs of the cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus and their client fish. Theory predicts that two providers should offer a higher service quality to clients than single providers, as long as they cooperate with each other. Field observations and experiments confirm the model prediction. Key to the success of a pair of cleaner wrasse is the fact that while one cleaner eats ectoparasites off the client the other can carry on with its preferred cheating behaviour, eating the client's mucus, while client satisfaction is still guaranteed.

Suggested Citation

  • Redouan Bshary & Alexandra S. Grutter & Astrid S. T. Willener & Olof Leimar, 2008. "Pairs of cooperating cleaner fish provide better service quality than singletons," Nature, Nature, vol. 455(7215), pages 964-966, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:455:y:2008:i:7215:d:10.1038_nature07184
    DOI: 10.1038/nature07184
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    Cited by:

    1. Daniel A Braun & Pedro A Ortega & Daniel M Wolpert, 2009. "Nash Equilibria in Multi-Agent Motor Interactions," PLOS Computational Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 5(8), pages 1-8, August.
    2. Jürgen Fleiß & Ulrike Leopold‐Wildburger, 2014. "Once Nice, Always Nice? Results on Factors Influencing Nice Behavior from an Iterated Prisoner's Dilemma Experiment," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(2), pages 327-334, March.
    3. Jonathan E Bone & Brian Wallace & Redouan Bshary & Nichola J Raihani, 2015. "The Effect of Power Asymmetries on Cooperation and Punishment in a Prisoner’s Dilemma Game," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(1), pages 1-15, January.
    4. Noë, Ronald, 2016. "How do biological markets compare to the markets of economics?," MPRA Paper 72473, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 11 Jul 2016.
    5. Jonathan E Bone & Brian Wallace & Redouan Bshary & Nichola J Raihani, 2016. "Power Asymmetries and Punishment in a Prisoner’s Dilemma with Variable Cooperative Investment," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(5), pages 1-16, May.
    6. Fruteau, C., 2010. "Biological markets in the everyday lives of mangabeys and vervets : An observational and experimental study," Other publications TiSEM 3f4fc3e2-723d-4455-9ed2-8, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.

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