Black-spot Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides pectoralis) Care Guide
Labroides pectoralis is an Indo-Pacific cleaner wrasse with a black spot at the pectoral-fin base; it feeds on ectoparasites and is demanding in captivity.
Overview
Labroides pectoralis is a small cleaner wrasse named for the prominent black spot at the base of its pectoral fin. FishBase records a maximum of about 11 cm total length. Like its congeners it maintains cleaning stations where other fish come to have ectoparasites removed.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Labroides
- Scientific name: Labroides pectoralis
- Common synonyms: Blackspot Cleaner Wrasse
Habitat
The species ranges across the Indo-Pacific, from the Cocos-Keeling Islands to the Line and Pitcairn islands, north to the Bonin Islands and south to the Rowley Shoals and the Great Barrier Reef. It inhabits coral-rich areas of seaward and clear lagoon reefs from the surface to about 30 m, occurring singly or in pairs.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L (79 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: typical marine range
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
Labroides pectoralis is a carnivore that removes crustacean ectoparasites and mucus from client fish at its cleaning stations. This obligate cleaning diet is hard to sustain in aquaria, making the species suitable only for experienced marine keepers.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful mid-water fish compatible with a broad range of robust reef companions, which it services rather than competes with. Persistently aggressive species that may harass it should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding. Members of Labroides are protogynous hermaphrodites.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2008). It is taken for the aquarium trade.