Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse

Labroides dimidiatus

Habitat & Distribution :  Terumbu karang, Samudra Hindia-Pasifik

Diet : Ectoparasite and mucus of other fish

Size: Up to 14 cm

Lifespan: 4 - 6 years

Description

The bluestreak cleaner wrasse have small, elongated bodies that are blue on the upper/dorsal side and white on the lower/ventral side. These two sides are bisected by a long black stripe in the middle. As juveniles, they are nearly fully black with a single blue stripe in the middle.

Behavior

Cleaner wrasse forms mutual symbiosis with many larger fish species, where they would eat the client fish's ectoparasites, therefore cleaning their bodies. They often do this in groups in a designated spot called a "cleaning station".

Reproduction

They are monogamous and are pelagic spawners, which means they release their eggs out to float in the sea, where they will hatch within 24 hours of fertilization.

Communication & Perception

They communicate with visual cues, using a "dance" motion to tell prospective client fish that they are there and ready to clean.

Predator(s)

They barely have any natural predators due to their role as cleaners, but occasionally can be preyed upon by stonefish and other ambush predators

Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List; 2008)