The Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) is an iconic and highly beneficial marine fish belonging to the family Labridae.

Distribution and Habitat

Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to the western Pacific, common around prominent coral heads and reef cleaning stations.

Physical Description

Features a slim body with a blue-black horizontal stripe and a black spot on the caudal peduncle.

Diet and Feeding

Feeds on parasites and dead tissue of larger fish in a mutualistic cleaning role, needing supplemental feedings of finely minced meaty foods in captivity.

Behavior and Reproduction

A dedicated cleaner fish that runs cleaning stations visited by larger fishes, with sex reversal possible if the dominant male disappears.

Aquarium Care

Requires 30+ gallons and is reef-safe, but may starve in tanks without enough fish to clean, making it best in established tanks.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.