Common name: Hawaiian cleaner wrasse

General information

The Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse, Labroides phthirophagus, is a captivating and beneficial species for marine aquariums. Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, this cleaner wrasse is known for its striking coloration and its ecological role in cleaning other fish. It has a slender body with vibrant blue and yellow longitudinal stripes that make it a visually appealing addition to any tank.

Care

Caring for the Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse requires a well-established aquarium with a stable environment and plenty of rockwork that mimics their natural habitat. They are best kept in larger systems where they can establish a territory and perform their cleaning duties on other fish. A varied diet of small meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood, is essential for their well-being.

Reproduction

In the wild, Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male if the dominant male is absent. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging, requiring specific conditions and expert care.

Symbiosis

The Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse engages in a mutualistic relationship with other fish by removing parasites and dead skin, which in turn provides them with a source of food. This cleaning behavior is crucial for the health of reef ecosystems and can also benefit other fish in the aquarium by reducing stress and disease.

Habitat

This species is found exclusively in the coral reefs of Hawaii, where it occupies territories and cleans a variety of client fish. They are typically seen at cleaning stations where they service a diverse clientele, ranging from small reef fish to larger pelagic species.