Bluestreak cleaner wrasse
Labroides dimidiatus
| Diet | Crustaceans, parasites, flesh and mucus on bodies of other fish |
|---|---|
| Size | Length: Up to 5.5 inches (14.0 cm) |
| Type | Fishes |
| Range | Red Sea, Indian, and West-Central Pacific Oceans |
| Habitat | Coral-rich lagoons and reef flats |
Did you know?
- The cleaner wrasse removes parasites, dead skin and bits of food from the fins, gills and skin of reef predators.
- Cleaner wrasses would even swim into the mouth of a shark to remove gunk from their teeth.
- Cleaner wrasses have been observed offering “massages” to their host animals. Scientists believe this tactic encourages the hosts to linger for cleaning.
- The cleaner wrasse wiggles its body and jiggles its tail to tell other fish it’s ready to work. Other fish line up for clean-up when they see the wrasse’s dance.