Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) Care Guide

Famous for setting up 'cleaning stations' where other fish queue to have parasites removed. While fascinating, it is controversial in captivity as it often refuses prepared foods and may slowly starve…

Overview

Labroides dimidiatus is a species in the family Labridae. Famous for setting up 'cleaning stations' where other fish queue to have parasites removed. While fascinating, it is controversial in captivity as it often refuses prepared foods and may slowly starve. Only recommended for experienced marine aquarists with large reef systems.

Taxonomy

Family: Labridae
Genus: Labroides
Scientific name: Labroides dimidiatus
Other names: Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to French Polynesia. Establishes long-term "cleaning stations" at coral outcrops where it removes ectoparasites, dead tissue and mucus from client fish. Survival in captivity is poor because dietary requirements cannot be reliably replicated outside the wild cleaning system.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 300 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 8-12 cm
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Difficulty: advanced

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: multiple times daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Most Reef Fish
Avoid with: Other Cleaner Wrasses, Aggressive Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced