Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides Dimidiatus)

Species Name : Labroides Dimidiatus

Care Level : Difficult

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Black, Blue, White

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 5½"

Origin : Africa, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka

Family : Labridae

Minimum Tank Size : 100 gallons

The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides Dimidiatus) is found on coral reefs in the tropics from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean to the western Pacific.

This is a small wrasse, averaging 10 cm long (14 cm max). It can be recognized thanks to a wide longitudinal black stripe running along the side and eye; the back and the stomach are white (sometimes slightly yellowish). This white part changes to a bright blue on the front of the animal, while the black band widens at the tail. The young are black with an electric blue line. Wrasses possess a smooth, compressed, elongate body with a pointed snout. possess a smooth, compressed, elongate body with a pointed snout. possess a smooth, compressed, elongate body with a pointed snout.

Like other cleaner wrasses, it eats parasites and dead tissue off larger fishes' skin in a mutualistic relationship that provides food and protection for the wrasse, and considerable health benefits for the other fishes. This unique fish forms a symbiotic relationship with other species by setting up a “cleaning station” to remove unwanted parasites that may have attached themselves. The Cleaner Wrasse will invite fish to their “cleaning station” by performing a calming up and down movement of their tails. 

The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse requires plenty of swimming room as they are very active fish, and should be housed with dissimilar shaped and colored fishes in the community marine aquarium. A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended. A tight fitting lid or canopy is a must as they can leap from open topped aquariums or into uncovered overflow boxes in reef ready style displays.

This is not an aggressive or territorial species, nor does it have much to fear from other fish due to its talent for cleaning. Even most larger, predatory species will mostly leave it alone. They tend to get territorial with species that look too much like themselves. They tend to get territorial with species that look too much like themselves. Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasses are also considered reef safe and will leave your corals alone.  

The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse must be fed small quantities of fresh, meaty food multiple times per day as they do not have the ability to eat large meals at one sitting. Ideal offerings include small pieces of vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other smaller, meaty foods. Once fully adjusted to the home aquarium these fishes can also be offered a high quality marine flake and tiny marine pellet food to complement their staple diet of enriched frozen food.

Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4; Medium: 2 1/4" to 3 1/4"; Large: 3-1/4" to 4"