Description
Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus)
A fascinating and iconic marine species, the Cleaner Wrasse is famous for its symbiotic behaviour, picking parasites and dead tissue off other fish. Its slender body with distinctive black and white stripes makes it instantly recognisable and a unique addition to larger reef aquariums.
Compatibility:
Peaceful. Best kept with a variety of community reef fish that benefit from its cleaning behaviour. Avoid aggressive tankmates that may stress or prey on it.
Reef Compatibility:
Reef-safe. Harmless to corals and invertebrates, making it suitable for live rock and reef setups.
Diet:
Carnivore – in the wild, feeds almost exclusively on ectoparasites from other fish. In captivity, it can be extremely challenging to feed and often requires live food such as small copepods or a well-established system with abundant “cleaning opportunities.” Many individuals do not thrive long-term in typical home aquariums.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24–27°C
- Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Minimum Tank Size: 200L
Care Level:
Advanced – extremely difficult to maintain in home aquariums due to dietary needs. Recommended only for experienced marine aquarists with established tanks or specialized systems.
Top Tip:
Often best kept in large, established reef systems with plenty of host fish. Consider alternative cleaner species (e.g., cleaner shrimp) for smaller or less mature aquariums, as the Cleaner Wrasse rarely survives long-term in standard setups.
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