Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Cleaner Wrasse

Labroides dimidiatus

Also called Bluestreak cleaner wrasse, Common cleanerfish

SpeciesShort profile

From Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and East Africa to the Line, Marquesas and Ducie islands; north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe and Rapa1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length10 to 14 cm2 1 3

Lifespanup to 4 years1

Sizesmall

Famous reef 'doctor' that cleans other fish

Striking blue-and-black stripe

Peaceful

2 3 1

Looks how to spot one

Slender wrasse

A slim, small wrasse with a bold black stripe running from the snout through the eye to the tail, widening toward the back. The back and belly are white to pale yellow, washing into bright blue toward the front. Juveniles are black with an electric-blue line.2

Coloursblackwhitebluepale yellow2 3

Personality what they are like

Peaceful and sociable, setting up a cleaning station and welcoming other fish with a little bobbing dance.3 1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active swimmer that needs room to move, and a fish that can jump, so a secure lid is wise.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Considered a fish for experienced aquarists. Feed small meaty meals often, such as enriched frozen shrimp and brine shrimp, adding flakes and pellets once settled.3

Home where they are happiest

Minimum about 90 US gallons (341 L) with open swimming room and a tight-fitting lid. Saltwater at about 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Wild fish live in coral-rich lagoons and reef flats to seaward reefs, usually at 1 to 30 m.3 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

In the wild it eats small crustacean parasites and mucus it picks from other fish. In aquariums it needs frequent small portions of meaty foods.1 2 3

Company who they like around

Lives in small social units run by a dominant male with several females; keep with fish that look different from it.2 3

The story where it all began

Achille Valenciennes described it in 1839. It is the best-known cleaner fish on Indo-Pacific reefs, and a 2015 record extended its range to the Kermadec Islands north of New Zealand.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It greets visiting fish at its cleaning station with a dance, bobbing the rear of its body up and down.1
2
Research suggests it may recognise itself in a mirror, a rare ability among animals.2
3
If the dominant male disappears, the biggest female can change sex and take his place.2
4
It will even swim inside the mouths and gill covers of larger fish to clean them.3
5
Some blennies imitate its look to get close to other fish.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2008)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Cleaner Wrasse. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Salinity checkevery week
Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
Water testevery week
Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
Glass cleanevery week

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Cleaner Wrasse?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day. This fish needs frequent small portions of meaty foods, so offer enriched frozen shrimp and brine shrimp, then add flakes and pellets once it's settled.3 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Cleaner Wrasse eat, and what should it never eat?

In the wild it eats small crustacean parasites and mucus from other fish. In the aquarium, give frequent small portions of meaty foods like enriched frozen shrimp and brine shrimp, plus flakes and pellets once settled. Never feed anything not meant for saltwater fish, and always check with a vet or good breeder for specific foods to avoid.3 1 2

How much space does a Cleaner Wrasse need?

A minimum of about 90 US gallons (341 L) is needed, with open swimming room and a tight-fitting lid since it can jump. This active swimmer needs space to move comfortably.3

What temperature, light or water does a Cleaner Wrasse need?

Keep saltwater at 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily temperature checks, weekly salinity checks, and weekly water tests.3 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Cleaner Wrasse's home?

Furry Diary's plan includes cleaning the glass weekly, topping up evaporation with fresh RO water daily, and doing a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Always use a water test kit to monitor conditions. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Cleaner Wrasse live with others?

Yes, it is peaceful and sociable, setting up a cleaning station for other fish. It lives in small social units with a dominant male and several females, and should be kept with fish that look different from it.3 2

How long does a Cleaner Wrasse live?

This fish can live up to about 4 years. With good care and a proper diet, it can thrive for that time.1

Can I handle a Cleaner Wrasse?

It is best not to handle this fish, as it is delicate and stress-prone. It is considered a fish for experienced aquarists, so observe it in the water rather than touching it.3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Labroides dimidiatus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, depth, habitat, diet, behaviour, max age, IUCN
Wikipedia: Bluestreak cleaner wrasse en.wikipedia.orgused for colours, social structure, history, fun facts
LiveAquaria: Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse liveaquaria.comused for care, tank size, water parameters, diet

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.