Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cleaner Wrasse
IntermediateLabroides dimidiatus
Cleaner fish that eats parasites from other fish. Sets up cleaning stations in tank — fun to watch fish queue up.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
23〜26℃
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
8-10cm
Diet
Pellets, frozen food
About
The bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) is a small wrasse of the family Labridae found throughout the coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In aquariums, it establishes 'cleaning stations' where it picks parasites, dead tissue, and debris from the bodies, gills, and mouths of other fish — a remarkable mutualistic behavior in which client fish queue patiently for service. This makes it a genuinely functional addition to community tanks. Adults reach 8–10 cm; a 100-litre or larger aquarium with multiple compatible tankmates is ideal. Without adequate interaction partners it can become listless and decline; a mixed-species community is essential. Lifespan is approximately 3–5 years.
Basic Info
Origin
Coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
8-10cm
Temperature
23〜26℃
Diet
Pellets, frozen food
Care Guide
Tank
100L+. Keep with other fish
Role
Removes parasites from other fish
Feeding
Weaning to pellets is important
Care Specifications
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Water Temp.
- 22–26℃
- Specific Gravity
- 1.02–1.025
- Salinity
- 33–35 ppt
- Min. Tank
- 341 L
PeacefulReef safe
Sources: LiveAquaria
Captive Breeding
Egg-laying
Breeding season: Year-round (natural spawning documented throughout the year in the wild)
Breeding notes
Protogynous hermaphrodite. Males maintain harems of females; spawning occurs at dusk as a pelagic pair-rise, releasing buoyant eggs that develop in the plankton. Captive breeding is extremely rare; the first documented successful hatchery production was reported by Aoyama et al. in 2022. Recommended rearing temperature for eggs and larvae is 27 °C at salinity 33 psu. Clutch size and sexual maturity age data are not yet available in primary literature.
Breeding requires planning, proper husbandry, and responsibility. These figures are general guidelines.
Sources: Aoyama et al. 2022 — Natural spawning, early development and first successful hatchery production of Labroides dimidiatus (Aquaculture 558, 738356) / FishBase — Labroides dimidiatus summary
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / 環境省 特定動物リスト / 環境省 特定外来生物等一覧
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Cleaner Wrasse Listings
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