Genus

Common name: Cleaner Wrasses

Scientific name: Labroides

Labroides is a genus of wrasses known commonly as Cleaner Wrasses, which play a crucial role in maintaining the health of reef ecosystems by removing parasites and dead tissue from other fish. These small, colorful fish are a favorite among aquarists for their vibrant patterns and beneficial cleaning behavior. In the wild, they establish 'cleaning stations' where they service a variety of client fish. In captivity, they require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and a stable social structure to thrive. Their diet can be challenging to replicate in an aquarium, as they prefer live parasites and mucus from other fish, but can be supplemented with small meaty foods.

  1. Yellowfin Goatfish, Mulloidichthys vanicolensis, being cleaned by bicolor cleaner wrasse, Labroides bicolor,  Sulawesi Indonesia
    Common name: Bicolor cleaner wrasse
    Scientific name: Labroides bicolor
  2. bluestreak cleaner wrasse side view, useful fish clean other animals from parasites, popular pet in marine aquarium require care of experienced aquarist, actinic blue LED light, blur background
    Common name: Bluestreak cleaner wrasse
    Scientific name: Labroides dimidiatus
  3. Under water photo, Cleaner fish is working on other fish, symbiotic relationship, Blackspot Cleaner Wrasse in coral reefs, Tropical ocean, Palau, Pacific
    Common name: Blackspot cleaner wrasse
    Scientific name: Labroides pectoralis
  4. Rarely seen mature endemic female hogfish (Bodianus albotaeniatus) with endemic Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides phthirophagus); Maui, Hawaii, United States of America
    Common name: Hawaiian cleaner wrasse
    Scientific name: Labroides phthirophagus
  5. Common name: Redlip cleaner wrasse
    Scientific name: Labroides rubrolabiatus