Common name: Redlip cleaner wrasse

General information

The Redlip Cleaner Wrasse, Labroides rubrolabiatus, is a captivating species known for its vibrant coloration and beneficial cleaning behavior. This species is distinguished by its elongated body, striking blue and black stripes, and a characteristic red snout. It is a member of the cleaner wrasses, which play a crucial role in maintaining the health of other fish by removing parasites and dead skin.

Care

Redlip Cleaner Wrasses require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock to thrive. They are best suited for larger systems where they can establish a cleaning station to service other fish. These wrasses are active swimmers and need ample space. 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, Redlip Cleaner Wrasses form harems consisting of a dominant male and several females. They are known to spawn year-round, with the male performing an elaborate dance to entice females. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with plenty of hiding places can encourage natural behaviors.

Symbiosis

Redlip Cleaner Wrasses engage in a mutualistic relationship with a variety of fish species, offering cleaning services by picking off parasites and dead tissue. In return, they receive protection and a steady food source. This interspecies interaction is a fascinating aspect of reef ecology and can be observed in a well-stocked community aquarium.

Habitat

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Redlip Cleaner Wrasses are found on coral reefs, often in clear lagoons and seaward reefs. They prefer areas with strong water movement and are typically observed at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters.