Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus)

Description:

Behavior: The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse is a fascinating and active species known for its unique behavior of cleaning other fish by removing parasites and dead tissue. These wrasses are generally peaceful and spend their time swimming around their tankmates, offering cleaning services. They are best kept in well-established aquariums with a variety of fish to maintain their natural behavior.

Color: The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse is visually striking, featuring a slender body with a black stripe running horizontally from the snout through the eye to the tail. The body above the stripe is a vibrant blue, while the underside is white or pale yellow. This distinctive coloration makes them easily recognizable and highly attractive.

Diet: In the wild, Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasses primarily feed on parasites and dead tissue from other fish. In captivity, they can be challenging to feed and may require a varied diet of finely chopped seafood, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and high-quality flake food. Supplementing their diet with vitamin-enriched foods can help ensure they receive adequate nutrition.

Tankmates: Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasses are generally peaceful and can be housed with a variety of other non-aggressive marine species. Suitable tankmates include tangs, angelfish, gobies, and clownfish. Their unique cleaning behavior makes them valuable additions to community aquariums, where they help maintain the health of other fish.

Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasses are reef-safe and do not harm corals or invertebrates. Their active swimming and cleaning behavior add movement and a functional benefit to reef aquariums without disturbing other inhabitants.

Max Size: Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasses typically grow to about 5 inches (12.5 cm) in length. They are suitable for a variety of tank sizes, with a minimum recommended aquarium size of 50 gallons to provide adequate space for swimming and cleaning activities.

Origin: Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasses are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, including the waters around the Red Sea, East Africa, and the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit coral reefs where they establish cleaning stations frequented by other fish.

Sexual Dimorphism: Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasses do not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, making it difficult to distinguish males from females based solely on appearance.

Interesting Facts:

• Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasses are known for their symbiotic relationship with other fish, which involves cleaning parasites and dead tissue from their tankmates.
• In the wild, they are often seen setting up cleaning stations where fish of various species come to be cleaned.
• They are relatively hardy but can be challenging to feed in captivity due to their specialized diet.
• Their unique behavior and striking coloration make them a favorite among marine aquarists.

Disclaimer: Aquarium Arts cannot guarantee compatibility with your current fish or the fish you buy and cannot be held liable for fish lost due to feeding challenges or aggression.

Introduce the fascinating Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse to your aquarium and enjoy their unique cleaning behavior and striking appearance, enhancing the beauty and health of your underwater world.