If you are having a bad day and need some cheering up then this video is the perfect thing for you. You might have seen hippos before, but we are sure you have never seen a hippo enjoy an underwater spa session.
The masseurs of this spa were none other than a group of colorful tiny fish. Apparently being a hippo is no easy task and you need loads of rest as well as fish spas. The video and photographs shared online portray the hippo resting underwater while the African cichlid fishes pamper the large creature.
It is a known fact that some species of fish have a good relationship with hippos. They clean hippos as it is beneficial for them as well. It is because these fishes are nourished by the algae, parasites, and dead skin scraped from the hides of the hippos.
What is even more interesting is that different fish species clean different body parts of the hippo. For example, the labeo species scour the hippo’s hide whereas the barbus species clean the cracks in the soles of the hippo’s feet. Cichlids focus on the tail bristles while wounds are cleaned by tiny garra.
Hippos even go to the extent of spreading their toes so that the marine cleaner fishes can easily access the body. The hippos who live in the wild intentionally look for water holes with fish hoping to experience this royal treatment.
People had much to say about the hippo underwater and according to Cindy Pauline Presley, “It’s hard work being this cute”. “The most handsome, snooze machine!” commented Terri Terrell Miller. It’s clear that people were impressed by the carefree life that these creatures lead. However, one should also be aware that hippos might look cute in appearance but they are very aggressive and dangerous mammals.
Image Credit & More Info; timothythehippo/Instagram | facebook