Blue Streak Cleaner Wrasse - Labroides dimidiatus

The Blue Streak Cleaner Wrasse, also known as the Cleaner Wrasse, is a popular reef fish recognized for its striking blue and black stripe along a slender silver body. Famed for its natural cleaning behavior, this wrasse removes parasites and dead tissue from other fish, making it a fascinating and beneficial addition to mature reef aquariums.

Description:

Common Names: Blue Streak Cleaner Wrasse, Cleaner Wrasse

Scientific Name: Labroides dimidiatus

Family: Labridae

Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)

Temperament: Peaceful

Difficulty: Moderate

Reef Safe: Yes

Native Region:

Widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific, inhabiting coral reefs where it establishes cleaning stations attended by other reef fish.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 55 gallons

Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

pH: 8.0–8.4

Salinity: 1.023–1.025

Substrate: Coral-rich reef tanks with plenty of hiding spots; requires stable water parameters and mature aquariums.

Additional Tips:

• Feeding: Primarily feeds on parasites and dead tissue from other fish in the wild; in captivity, may require frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, or specialized diets.

• Behavior: Peaceful cleaner fish that may establish cleaning “stations” and interact with other tankmates.

• Compatibility: Reef safe and non-aggressive, but needs a mature tank with established populations to thrive.

• Care Note: Difficult to keep long-term in captivity due to specialized diet; best suited for experienced aquarists or established reef systems.