Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Labroides dimidiatus
Common name
Bluestreak cleaner wrasse
Blue streak
Bluestreak cleanerfish
Blue diesel wrasse
Bridled beauty
Cleaner fish
Cleaner wrasse
Common cleanerfish
Origin
Origin: Red sea, Indian ocean and Pacific
Natural habitat: coral reefs, preferably on slopes (up to 40 m deep)
Dimorphism
The female is slightly smaller than the male (about 2 cm or 0.8")
Group
Labridae
Volume
200 L / 44 Imp gal / 53 US gal
Parameters
T°: 23 to 26°C or 73 to 79°F
pH: 7.5 to 8.5
Density: 1021 to 1026
Difficulty
Hard
Size
10 cm (4")
Longevity
4 years
Living zone
Middle and depth
Individuals
1
Food
Food
How to feed the Labroides dimidiatus?
The Bluestreak cleanerfish is carnivorous. Particular care should be taken to ensure that the proposed foods are adapted to the size of their small mouth. You can give it many small live or frozen prey: krill, mysis, artemia, red daphnids. If you want to distribute a mussel, bloodworms or tubifex, chop them finely before distribution. Finally, the cleaner labre also accepts dry or freeze-dried food.
Behavior
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Labroides dimidiatus have?
This fish is sociable and peaceful. In general, it is calm: it swims not far from the rocks, where it flees at the least danger. At night, it wraps itself in a cocoon of mucus and goes to rest in its cave (always the same one).
Because of its diet, it is very inclined to install a «cleaning station» for other fish: it rids them of their parasites, and it fills its belly. It invites the big fish to approach by performing a characteristic «dance», cutting with the rest of the usual swimming. At this sign, the fish can come to “take a shower”.
Cohabitation
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Labroides dimidiatus?
In its natural environment, the Bluestreak cleanerfish grows into a large group, then separates later from the group to finally live as a duo or harem (a male for several females). In captivity, it is better to adopt only one Bluestreak cleanerfish per aquarium. Indeed, as an adult, it does not support the presence of its congeners. The only exception to this rule will be when a couple is formed.
Feel free to introduce this fish in large, well populated aquariums. Indeed, not only will it be able to find its pittance easily given the choice of roommates to “clean”, and in addition it will prevent him to harass only 1 or 2 fish that will eventually run away, even jump from the tank or bump against the windows.
Indeed, even if it is very useful in its natural environment for its functions of cleaner, in a closed space like an aquarium, the Bluestreak cleanerfish can even hurt its guests. The victims will then seek to flee the Bluestreak cleanerfish by all means. This situation is often encountered with tetraodontiform fish such as the puffer fish (Tetraodontidae and Canthigaster), porcupine fish (Diodontidae) and chitterfish (Ostraciidae). It will be necessary to avoid these associations.
Finally, pay attention to the predation of scorpion fish (Setarchidae) towards the Bluestreak cleanerfish.
Breeding
Breeding
How to breed the Labroides dimidiatus?
The male and the female wishing to breed launch themselves in pursuits. Following these events, spawning occurs in open water. It has already been observed several times in the aquarium.
Unfortunately, rearing fry remains very difficult in captivity today.
The juveniles are uniformly dark in colour, with a dark blue band, very bright and luminous, running throughout the upper body.
Surprisingly, all juveniles are females (hermaphrodite, protogynous, monandric). In the wild, if the male disappears, the dominant female can change sex to become a male.
Its aquarium
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Labroides dimidiatus?
An aquarium decorated with rocks will be very well suited for a Bluestreak cleanerfish. To best mimic its natural habitat, simulate a reef wall (or pit) with many nooks and hiding places, all on a beautiful height However, be careful of the stability of your stacks to prevent landslides! Plan hiding places at its size. Indeed, the Bluestreak cleanerfish always tries to rest in places adapted to its size: neither too big nor too small. It will choose a place that suits him and will make its final home!
This fish is an excellent jumper! Do not forget to cover your aquarium and protect your lighting system.
Good To know
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Often confused with Aspidontus taeniatus. This last takes the appearance of the Bluestreak cleanerfish, offers its “cleaning” services but on the other hand it is a cutter of scales! It will attack the fish and will take some scales and fins before fleeing. It is a fascinating mimicry, both in the physical and in the behaviour adopted by the Aspidontus taeniatus. But then how to differentiate them? The mouth of the Aspidontus taeniatus is directed down, while that of the Bluestreak cleanerfish is at the end of its «muzzle». In addition, the mouth of the Bluestreak cleanerfish is in alignment with the dark longitudinal band that runs through its body, while the mouth of the Aspidontus taeniatus is below this line. To observe these differences, the ideal is to compare the fish profiles.
The acclimatisation of the Bluestreak cleanerfish is a delicate point. For example, the fish may refuse to feed for a certain period of time. You can help itregain a good appetite by starting to propose a mold with its valve (shell). This choice of food has been successful with many aquarists. After this difficult moment, it is quite robust.
The Bluestreak cleanerfish’s family includes 70 genera and more than 500 species!
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