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bluestreak cleaner wrasse
ExploreFish
bluestreak cleaner wrasse
Labroides dimidiatus
The bluestreak cleaner wrasse is a colorful fish that helps keep other fish clean by eating their parasites. They are friendly and often found in coral reefs, making them important helpers in the ocean.
Habitat: Coral reefs
Appearance
The bluestreak cleaner wrasse has a slender body with a brilliant electric blue stripe running from its snout to its tail. Below this striking line, its body is dark black, fading to a white or yellowish belly, making it easily recognizable on coral reefs.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderPerciformesFamilyLabridaeGenusLabroides
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even big, scary predators wait patiently for the wrasse to clean them!
Some sneaky fish pretend to be them, then take a bite out of unsuspecting clients!
These tiny fish bravely clean inside the mouths and gills of giant clients!
They run 'cleaning stations' where other reef fish line up for service!
Special abilities
Ability
Parasite Picker
Bluestreak cleaner wrasse can safely remove tiny parasites and dead skin from larger fish because it has specialized mouthparts and a trusting relationship with clients.
Ability
Reef Doctor
Bluestreak cleaner wrasse performs a special 'waving dance' that helps them signal to other fish that their cleaning station is open for business!
Ability
Gender Bender
Bluestreak cleaner wrasse can change its sex from female to male, which helps maintain social structure when the dominant male is gone.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-14 cm
- Weight
- 0.005-0.015 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-4 years
- Swim Speed
- 8 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 40 m
- Water Type
- Saltwater
Diet & Feeding
These helpful fish eat tiny parasites and dead skin that they carefully pick off other reef fish.
Primary Foods
- ectoparasites
- dead skin
- mucus
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Convict tang
Acanthurus triostegus
Removes parasites from its skin.
symbiotic with
Grey reef shark
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos
Brave wrasse cleans this large predator.
parasitizes
False cleanerfish
Aspidontus taeniatus
Mimics the wrasse to bite unsuspecting fish.
symbiotic with
Lionfish
Pterois volitans
Even venomous fish get cleaned.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch fish from a distance and don't try to touch them in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is bluestreak cleaner wrasse?
10-14 cm
How much does bluestreak cleaner wrasse weigh?
0.005-0.015 kg
How long does bluestreak cleaner wrasse live?
2-4 years
What does bluestreak cleaner wrasse eat?
These helpful fish eat tiny parasites and dead skin that they carefully pick off other reef fish.
How fast can bluestreak cleaner wrasse swim?
8 km/h
Where is bluestreak cleaner wrasse usually found?
Coral reefs
How does bluestreak cleaner wrasse hunt?
Foraging
How deep can bluestreak cleaner wrasse go?
40 m
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