Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides phthirophagus) Care Guide
Labroides phthirophagus is a Hawaiian endemic cleaner wrasse; it feeds obligately on fish ectoparasites and is challenging to keep long term.
Overview
Labroides phthirophagus is a cleaner wrasse endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. FishBase records a maximum of about 12 cm total length. It is an obligate cleaner that picks parasitic crustaceans from other fishes and swims with a distinctive dancing-flitting motion.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Labroides
- Scientific name: Labroides phthirophagus
- Common synonyms: Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse
Habitat
The species is endemic to the Eastern Central Pacific, specifically the Hawaiian and Johnston islands. It is a non-migratory, reef-associated fish recorded from the surface to about 90 m. Adults rest at night within a balloon-like mucous cocoon.
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 phthirophagus is an obligate cleaner that feeds on parasitic crustaceans taken from other fish. Because this specialized diet is very difficult to provide in captivity, the species is considered challenging and suited only to experienced keepers.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful mid-water fish that coexists with a range of robust tank mates, which it cleans rather than competes with. Highly aggressive species that may bully it should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is oviparous, with monogamous mating patterns observed in both facultative and social forms. As in the genus, individuals are protogynous hermaphrodites.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009). It is not commercially fished but is collected for the aquarium trade.