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Basics

Scientific Name: Labroides dimidiatus

Family: Labridae

Origin: Indo Pacific, Maldives, Africa, Red Sea

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Difficult
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Lifespan: 2-4 years in captivity, rarely longer
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Maximum Size: 5 1/2"
• Diet: Carnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

Overview

The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse is a half white or yellow and half bright cerulean blue fish with thick black horizontal striping along its body. It usually lives in pairs or groups and in the wild creates "cleaning stations" where it forms symbiotic relationships with other fish in which it consumes parasites and other micro organisms off of them. It performs an interesting dance in which it moves it's rear end up and down to invite them into the cleaning station. 

They live fine with reef systems and a community of other fish that they can clean is necessary for their survival. This is why they do not generally live long lives in captivity, as parasites and other meal items may be scarce. Housing them with many large fish in an equally large tank will better their chances of having a proper diet. Some may eventually accept frozen shrimp and other meaty prepared foods including pellets and flakes, but others will not.* As such, this fish should only be considered by advanced aquarists. 

* = Currently, all of our Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse's have adapted to eating frozen food, live food and pellets and are great eaters.