Cleaner Wrasse

Labroides dimidiatus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Labriformes›Labridae

📍 Indo-Pacific, Red Sea to Pacific

Operates dedicated cleaning stations on the reef, removing parasites and dead tissue from client fish. Bright blue with a bold black lateral stripe. Difficult to sustain in captivity as it subsists almost entirely on ectoparasites — most die without proper nutrition strategies.

Size5.5"

Min Tank55g

peaceful

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Cleaner wrasses are obligate parasitophages and require a constant supply of live food to survive in captivity. Feed small live copepods, amphipods, and other zooplankton daily, supplemented with frozen mysis shrimp and high-quality marine flake foods. Without access to natural parasites from other fish, most specimens starve despite appearing to eat—this is the primary cause of captive mortality.

Behavior

Highly active and peaceful, spending most of the day darting around the reef establishing and maintaining cleaning stations where other fish visit for parasite removal. They are social and may school loosely with other wrasses but are not aggressive toward tankmates. They require constant activity and stimulation; idle wrasses often refuse food and decline rapidly.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is extremely rare and has not been reliably documented in home aquariums. They are pelagic spawners requiring very large systems with specific environmental triggers. Captive breeding is not a realistic goal for hobbyists.

Tank Mates

Ocellaris Clownfish

Both reef-associated, peaceful, and benefit from cleaner wrasse services

excellent

Pink Skunk Clownfish

Compatible reef fish that will visit cleaning stations

excellent

Neon Goby

Another cleaner fish; may compete for parasites but generally coexist peacefully

good

Firefish Goby

Peaceful, reef-safe, and occupies different habitat zones

good

Cleaner Shrimp

Complementary cleaners; may reduce parasite load for wrasse to feed on

good

Peppermint Shrimp

Peaceful reef invertebrate that shares similar water parameters

good

Common Diseases

Starvation/Nutritional Deficiency

Symptoms

Rapid weight loss, lethargy, refusal to eat despite food being present, fading coloration

Treatment

Increase live copepod and amphipod availability; add fish with visible parasites to the tank; consider target feeding with frozen mysis; if unsuccessful, euthanasia may be necessary as recovery is unlikely

Ich (Marine White Spot)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against rocks, lethargy

Treatment

Quarantine immediately; raise temperature to 28-29°C gradually; use copper-based or formalin treatments; maintain excellent water quality; wrasses are sensitive to medications so use at reduced doses

Parasitic Infections (External)

Symptoms

Excessive scratching, visible parasites, damaged fins, behavioral changes, loss of appetite

Treatment

Fresh water dips (5-10 minutes) may provide temporary relief; improve water quality and nutrition; copper treatments at reduced doses; quarantine to prevent spread to other fish

Bacterial Infections

Symptoms

Fin rot, open sores, cloudy eyes, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Improve water quality immediately; perform frequent partial water changes; use antibiotic treatments if available; ensure adequate nutrition to support immune function