African Cleaner Wrasse

African Cleaner Wrasse: A Unique & Beneficial Reef Fish

The African Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) is a fascinating and highly specialized species that adds a touch of graceful elegance to any marine aquarium. Its unique appearance features a slender, bright blue body with a single, prominent black horizontal stripe that runs from its snout to its tail. This fish is renowned for its symbiotic relationship with other reef inhabitants; it sets up "cleaning stations" where it removes parasites and dead skin from other fish. This behavior is both mesmerizing to watch and highly beneficial for the health of your tank's ecosystem. The Cleaner Wrasse is a peaceful species that poses no threat to corals or invertebrates.

Why the African Cleaner Wrasse is a Great Choice (with caution):

• Unique Behavior: Its role as a cleaner fish is one of the most interesting symbiotic relationships you can observe in a home aquarium.
• Elegant Appearance: Its sleek, blue body and active swimming make it a beautiful and constant presence.
• Peaceful Temperament: It is a non-aggressive species that coexists well with other peaceful tank mates.
• Reef-Safe: The Cleaner Wrasse is completely safe to keep with all types of corals and invertebrates.

Important Note: Due to their highly specialized diet of parasites and mucus, Cleaner Wrasse can be difficult to acclimate and feed in a home aquarium. They require a well-established tank with a thriving community of other fish to support their natural feeding habits.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Labroides dimidiatus
• Origin: Africa
• Max Size: 4.5 inches
• Lifespan: 5 years or more
• Diet: Carnivore. Primarily feeds on parasites and mucus from other fish.
• Shipping Size: 1.5-3 inches