Fish · GBIF taxon 2383731
Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse
Labroides dimidiatusAlso known as Bridled Cleaner Wrasse, Blue-streak Cleaner Wrasse, Common Cleaner Wrasse, Cleaner Wrasse
Bluestreak cleaner wrasses establish bustling cleaning stations on coral promontories, where predatory groupers, moray eels, and pelagic visitors patiently queue for parasite removal. They advertise their services with an energetic up-and-down dance and gently stroke clients with their pelvic fins to build trust and prolong sessions. Remarkably, experiments show they can recognize their own reflections in mirrors, demonstrating cognitive complexity rarely documented in fish.
MarineReef DwellerMutualist
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Gnathiid Isopods
- Parasitic Copepods
- Dead Tissue
Predators
- Giant Moray
- Coral Trout
- Whitetip Reef Shark
ThreatsCoral bleaching, reef degradation, and overcollection for the marine aquarium trade
HabitatsCoral reefs, lagoons, and seaward reef slopes
Life span4–5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyLabridae
- SpeciesLabroides dimidiatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans and safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Look for Stations: Scan prominent coral heads or bommies where diverse fishes gather and hover motionless.
- Stay Buoyant: Maintain neutral buoyancy and keep your distance to avoid interrupting their grooming sessions.
- Watch the Dance: Observe their characteristic bobbing display used to invite client fish in for inspection.
Image unavailableBatesian Mimic Frequent Client Frequent Client Close Relative
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