CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE FIRST KIND: REPORT ON A CLEANING SYMBIOSIS BEHAVIOUR OF LEATHERJACKETS (Oligoplites saurus) ASSOCIATED WITH A SPINETAIL DEVIL RAY (Mobula mobular) IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Abstract

Scraping behavior in teleost species is often associated with epibiont, parasite and debris removal, primarily documented in interactions with sharks. This study provides the first documented evidence of leatherjackets (Oligoplites sp.) engaging in cleaning symbiosis with a Spinetail devil ray (Mobula mobular) off the coast of Ilhabela, southeastern Brazil. Drone footage captured on May 12 and May 24, 2024, revealed leatherjackets scraping their bodies against the devil ray's dorsal surface, targeting their heads and lateral surfaces, aligning with incidental cleaning behavior. This novel interspecies interaction occurred during an upwelling bloom, attracting numerous marine species to the area. Potential ecological implications of declining elasmobranch populations due to climate change and human activities are also noted.