Blue Cleaner Wrasse

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Labroides dimidiatus
• Common Name: Blue Cleaner Wrasse
• Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
• Life Expectancy: Up to 4 years in captivity (though often shorter in poor conditions)
  Longer in the wild due to natural feeding behaviors
• Habitat:
  • Found throughout Indo-Pacific coral reefs
  • Commonly seen on cleaning stations, where they remove parasites from larger reef fish

  • Prefer clear, shallow reef environments with lots of rockwork and coral

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (larger preferred for long-term care and tankmate compatibility)
• Ideal Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH
• Temperament:
  • Peaceful, especially toward other species
  • May exhibit cleaning behavior on tankmates
  • Best kept singly—can be aggressive toward other wrasses of the same kind

  • Needs a peaceful community or reef tank

Diet & Nutrition

• In the wild, feeds primarily on parasites, dead tissue, and scales of larger fish
• In captivity:
  • Can be very difficult to feed, often refusing prepared foods
  • Best offered live foods initially (brine shrimp, blackworms)
  • May accept frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood over time
  • Some may learn to eat high-protein pellets or flakes, but many do not
  • Frequent small feedings are essential

• Ideal for experienced aquarists only due to feeding challenges

Breeding & Spawning

• Not typically bred in home aquariums
• In the wild, they are protogynous hermaphrodites (females can become males)
• Harem-based spawning behavior—one dominant male with several females

• Requires very large tanks and specific environmental cues to trigger spawning

Appearance

• Long, slender body with a striking blue and black horizontal stripe
• Iridescent blue coloration on the lower body
• Black stripe runs from the snout through the eye to the tail

• Elegant, fluid swimmers

Distinctive Features

• Known for their cleaning behavior—a rare behavior among reef fish
• May be seen “dancing” in front of larger fish to invite cleaning
• Fascinating and unique, but notoriously hard to keep

• Should never be collected irresponsibly, as wild populations play a critical reef role