ALMOST WYSIWYG – Approx. Size: 2-4 Inches
Captive-Bred Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus)
Captive-Bred Cleaner Wrasses are an exciting breakthrough in the aquarium hobby—offering all the beauty and utility of their wild counterparts with the added benefit of being conditioned for life in captivity. Known for their vivid black and electric blue stripes and natural symbiotic behavior, these wrasses perform a unique role in the reef by "cleaning" parasites and dead tissue from other fish.
Tank Requirements
Cleaner Wrasses thrive in aquariums of 55 gallons or more, ideally with a diverse community of tankmates and plenty of swimming space. They appreciate rockwork where they can rest at night and may establish a specific "cleaning station" where other fish line up for grooming.
Captive-Bred Advantage
Unlike wild-caught specimens, captive-bred Cleaner Wrasses are trained to eat a wider variety of prepared foods, making them more resilient and better suited to long-term success in home aquariums. They adapt quickly, are less likely to stress, and are sustainably sourced.
Diet and Feeding
While wild Cleaner Wrasses rely almost exclusively on picking parasites off other fish, captive-bred individuals accept a broader diet. Offer a mix of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality frozen or pellet foods. Small, frequent feedings help maintain their energy and health.
Tankmates and Behavior
Cleaner Wrasses are peaceful and reef-safe, making them excellent additions to community tanks. They are often seen swimming up to other fish to perform their cleaning duties, and many tankmates willingly participate. Avoid aggressive fish that may bully or stress them, especially during the initial acclimation period.
