Un peu plus d'informations...

Labroides dimidiatus, also called the Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, is a small marine wrasse associated with coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific. Its blue-and-black pattern, constant activity, and cleaning behavior make it fascinating to observe. It removes parasites, damaged tissue, and debris from the skin, fins, and sometimes the mouth of many visiting fishes. Very common across its natural range, it is nevertheless challenging to maintain in captivity because it depends on frequent feeding and a mature, stable marine environment rich in natural life. It is best suited to an established reef aquarium rather than a new or lightly stocked system.

General description of the species

Labroides dimidiatus is an obligate cleaner wrasse found on coral reefs and rocky marine habitats across the Indo-Pacific. It establishes cleaning stations where visiting fishes come to be inspected. This activity is a mutualistic relationship: the cleaner obtains food while its clients benefit from body maintenance. The species is very common throughout its broad distribution, but captive care remains difficult. It needs a well-established marine aquarium, a complex rock structure, and many feeding opportunities throughout the day. It may work in a large reef aquarium containing peaceful fishes, but it is generally not an appropriate choice for a new system or an aquarium with too few potential food sources.

Geographic origin and biotope

Reference countries: Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and French Polynesia, among other Indo-Pacific regions. Labroides dimidiatus inhabits shallow coral reefs, outer reef slopes, lagoons, and rocky areas associated with corals. It is normally found in warm, clear, well-oxygenated seawater, with water movement varying according to reef exposure. The substrate consists of rock, dead coral, calcareous rubble, and numerous hiding places. There is no higher aquatic vegetation; algae may nevertheless grow on some rocky surfaces.

Precise location and local name

The natural range of Labroides dimidiatus extends from the Red Sea and eastern African coast eastward to French Polynesia, northward to southern Japan, and southward to the Great Barrier Reef. It uses cleaning stations located on reef outcrops, coral heads, and rocky promontories that are easy for client fishes to locate. The most widely used trade name is Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, also known as cleaner wrasse. These names describe its ecological role and distinctive blue stripe rather than a particular geographic locality. It is commonly observed moving continuously around reef structure while waiting for visiting fishes.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Labroides dimidiatus has a long, slender, highly flexible body and a small terminal mouth adapted for picking food. A broad electric-blue and black stripe runs along the body, while the underside is generally white to cream. The head is narrow, the fins are transparent to slightly tinted, and the tail is relatively small. Adults reach approximately 14 cm in total length. Its slender shape allows precise movement around visiting fishes and access to body folds. Like several wrasses, it can hide in reef crevices when stressed and may shelter in the structure during the night.

General diet

In the wild, Labroides dimidiatus feeds mainly on small ectoparasites, mucus, dead tissue, and debris found on client fishes. It also consumes tiny organisms associated with the reef and substrate. This specialization explains many of its captive-care problems: a lightly stocked aquarium often does not produce enough natural food. Offer small portions of varied marine foods several times daily, including finely chopped seafood and suitable frozen preparations. Feeding response must be monitored closely because an individual that stops eating can decline quickly. Frequent feeding and a mature aquarium are essential for long-term survival.

Essential data

• River of origin: Not applicable; marine species.
• Local name used: Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse; cleaner wrasse.
• Origin of the scientific name: The name refers to its resemblance to wrasses of the genus Labrus and to the divided body coloration.
• Etymology of the full name: Labroides means resembling Labrus; dimidiatus means divided in two or shared.
• Common/vernacular names: Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, cleaner wrasse, blue-streak cleaner wrasse.
• Family: Labridae.
• Subfamily: Not specified here.
• Name pronunciation: la-broy-deez - dim-id-ee-ah-tus.
• Discovery: Achille Valenciennes, 1839.
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 14 cm.
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; marine pH generally 8.1 to 8.4.
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Coral reefs and rocky marine habitats; no higher aquatic vegetation.
• Typical tankmates: Amphiprion ocellaris, Acanthurus leucosternon, Zebrasoma scopas, Pomacanthus semicirculatus, Siganus vulpinus, Chromis xanthura.
• Temperament and behavior: Active and generally peaceful; establishes cleaning stations and inspects visiting fishes.
• Water depth: Approximately 1 to 40 m.
• Sexual dimorphism: Externally subtle; the species is a protogynous hermaphrodite.
• Bottom structure and flow: Rocky and coral bottom with crevices and calcareous rubble; moderate to strong water movement depending on reef exposure.

In your aquarium

To succeed with Labroides dimidiatus, provide a mature, spacious marine aquarium with abundant live rock and complex structure. Offer several small meals each day and monitor body condition, particularly during the first weeks. A balanced fish community may provide cleaning opportunities, but it does not replace supplementary feeding. Avoid new aquariums, systems poor in natural life, and tanks dominated by aggressive fishes. Stable water quality, secure hiding places, and close observation of feeding behavior are the foundations of responsible long-term care for this specialized wrasse.