Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus)

The Cleaner Wrasse is one of the most ecologically significant reef fish, operating natural cleaning stations where it removes parasites, dead tissue, and mucus from larger fish. Its horizontal blue and black striped body is instantly recognizable and mimicked by the Bluestreak fang blenny. While fascinating to observe, it has specialized dietary requirements in captivity and is best kept by experienced aquarists able to provide a stimulating, varied feeding regimen.

Requires a large reef with diverse tank mates that it can groom regularly. Feed with tiny meaty foods such as copepods, reef roids, and small mysis supplemented with a varied commercial diet. Keep singly — will not thrive with other Labroides. Best suited to established reef systems with multiple large fish that allow grooming behaviour.