Cleaner Wrasse

The Cleaner Wrasse, *Labroides dimidiatus*, is a fascinating and beneficial addition to the marine aquarium. This small, slender fish is renowned for its unique behavior of setting up “cleaning stations” where it removes parasites and dead tissue from other fish. Its distinctive coloration features a vibrant blue body with a prominent black stripe running from the snout to the tail.

A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for the Cleaner Wrasse, providing ample space for it to establish its cleaning stations and interact with tankmates. They are native to the Indo-Pacific region and are considered to have an intermediate care level. While generally peaceful, their primary role is as a cleaner, and they may nip at the fins of slower-moving or stressed fish if their cleaning needs are not met by other tank inhabitants.

In the aquarium, the Cleaner Wrasse will primarily feed on parasites and dead tissue from other fish. However, it is crucial to supplement their diet with small, meaty foods such as enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and high-quality marine flake or pellet food to ensure they receive adequate nutrition, especially in tanks with fewer potential “clients.” They typically reach a maximum size of around 4 inches. Due to their specialized feeding habits, they are best kept in a well-established aquarium with a diverse community of fish.