Cleaner Wrasse
ExploreFish
Cleaner Wrasse
Labroides dimidiatus
Cleaner wrasses are small fish that help other fish by cleaning parasites off their bodies. They have bright colors and move quickly around coral reefs.
Habitat: Coral reefs
Appearance
The Cleaner Wrasse has an elongated body with a vibrant blue anterior, fading to a darker blue or black posterior. A distinct black stripe runs from its snout, through its eye, to its pointed tail, often bordered by a bright blue dorsal stripe. This striking pattern makes it easily identifiable among reef fish.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTeleosteiOrderEupercaria incertae sedisFamilyLabridaeGenusLabroides
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Other fish will line up for their turn at a Cleaner Wrasse's 'cleaning station'!
Some Cleaner Wrasse are born female and can change into males later in life!
They can clean the inside of a huge shark's mouth without being eaten!
They're so important that if they disappear, other reef fish get sick!
Special abilities
Ability
Cleaning Service
Cleaner Wrasse can meticulously remove parasites and dead skin from other fish, helping maintain reef health.
Ability
Trust Builder
Cleaner Wrasse has a special 'dance' to signal its cleaning intentions, building trust with larger, predatory fish.
Ability
Predator Immunity
Cleaner Wrasse can swim inside the mouths and gills of large predators without being eaten, thanks to its helpful cleaning role.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 5-12 cm
- Weight
- 0.005-0.02 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-4 years
- Swim Speed
- 7 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 40 m
- Water Type
- Saltwater
Diet & Feeding
Tiny parasites and dead skin are a Cleaner Wrasse's favorite healthy meal!
Primary Foods
- Ectoparasites
- Dead skin
- Mucus
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Giant Moray Eel
Gymnothorax javanicus
Removes parasites from its mouth and gills.
symbiotic with
Napoleon Wrasse
Cheilinus undulatus
Cleans external parasites and dead scales off its body.
symbiotic with
Blacktip Reef Shark
Carcharhinus melanopterus
Even cleans the skin and gills of reef sharks.
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.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Tool Use
This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
Cleaning WrasseWrasse Cleaner
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Watch these fish from a safe distance to not disturb their important work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Cleaner Wrasse?
5-12 cm
How much does Cleaner Wrasse weigh?
0.005-0.02 kg
How long does Cleaner Wrasse live?
2-4 years
What does Cleaner Wrasse eat?
Tiny parasites and dead skin are a Cleaner Wrasse's favorite healthy meal!
How fast can Cleaner Wrasse swim?
7 km/h
Where is Cleaner Wrasse usually found?
Coral reefs
How does Cleaner Wrasse hunt?
Foraging
How deep can Cleaner Wrasse go?
40 m
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