Care guide at a glance
Labroides dimidiatus
Description
A slender black-and-blue striped wrasse that removes parasites from other fish, performing the cleaning behaviour readily in aquaria. Fascinating to watch, and a difficult fish to keep alive long term.
Feeding
In the wild it feeds on parasites and mucus taken from other fish. In aquaria it must be weaned onto frozen mysis and finely chopped meaty foods, fed several times daily. Many specimens never adapt.
Compatibility
Peaceful and reef safe. Needs a large population of substantial fish to service, or it has no natural role in the tank.
Behaviour and personality
Sets up a cleaning station and services other fish, which queue and hold still for it. Genuinely remarkable to watch when it works.
Before you buy
Be aware before buying: most specimens do not survive long in home aquaria, and each fish removed from the reef stops cleaning the wild fish that depend on it. A large, heavily stocked system and several daily feeds give the best chance. Many experienced marine keepers avoid this species on principle.
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