Labroides dimidiatus
Due to
variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Color Form: Black, Blue,
White
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78?
F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5?"
Origin: Africa,
Indonesia, Maldives
Family: Labridae
Minimum Tank Size: 90
gallons
The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, occurs singly, in pairs,
and in groups. This unique fish forms a symbiotic relationship with other
species by setting up a ?cleaning station? to remove unwanted parasites that
may have attached themselves. The Cleaner Wrasse will invite fish to their
?cleaning station? by performing a calming up and down movement of their tails.
These fish may even clean the inside of larger fish?s mouths and gills.
Procured through a short supply chain in the Western
Indian Ocean in very small numbers, the African and Maldivian Bluestreak
Cleaner Wrasse can thrive in the home aquarium. Requiring advanced care, we
recommend this species is only considered by the experienced marine aquarist.
The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse requires plenty of swimming room as they are very
active fish, and should be housed with dissimilar shaped and colored fishes in
the community marine aquarium. A tight fitting lid or canopy is a must as they
can leap from open topped aquariums or into uncovered overflow boxes in reef
ready style displays.
The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse must be fed small
quantities of fresh, meaty food multiple times per day as they do not have the
ability to eat large meals at one sitting. Ideal offerings include small pieces
of vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp,
and other smaller, meaty foods. Once fully adjusted to the home aquarium these
fishes can also be offered a high quality marine flake and tiny marine pellet
food to complement their staple diet of enriched frozen food.