Cleaner Wrasse

Labroides Dimidiatus (Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse) Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful Colour Form: Black, Blue, White Diet: Carnivore Reef Compatible: Yes Water Conditions: sg 1.020-1.025, 22-26°C, dKH 6-12, pH 7.8-8.4 Max. Size: 14 cm Family: Labridae Minimum Tank Size: 300 litres Overview: The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse is a fascinating and distinctive fish known for its unique role in the marine ecosystem. This species establishes a "cleaning station" where it performs a symbiotic service by removing parasites from other fish. The Cleaner Wrasse attracts clients to its station with a calming tail movement and will even clean the mouths and gills of larger fish. Native to the Western Indian Ocean, the African and Maldivian Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse is challenging to care for and should be maintained by experienced marine aquarists. It requires ample swimming space due to its active nature and should be kept with fish of different shapes and colours to avoid stress. A secure lid or canopy is essential, as these fish are known to leap from open-top aquariums or into uncovered overflow boxes. In terms of diet, the Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse needs frequent, small feedings of fresh, meaty foods as it cannot consume large meals in one sitting. Offer small pieces of vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other small meaty foods multiple times a day. Once well-established, it can also be fed high-quality marine flakes and tiny marine pellets to supplement its diet.