⚠️ Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus)

The Cleaner Wrasse is one of the most recognized reef fish, famous for its symbiotic cleaning behavior. However, this is one fish that should NOT be purchased for home aquariums. Their specialized diet makes them nearly impossible to keep alive long-term, and their removal from reefs has significant ecological impact.

📋 Quick Facts

🚫 Why You Should NOT Buy This Fish

1. They Starve in Captivity

• Diet is almost exclusively fish parasites and mucus
• Home aquariums can't provide enough "clients"
• Rarely accept substitute foods
• Most slowly starve over weeks to months

2. Ecological Impact

• Cleaner wrasses are essential to reef health
• Single wrasse may clean 2,000+ fish per day
• Removal disrupts entire reef communities
• Not bred in captivity - all are wild-caught

3. There Are Better Alternatives

• Cleaner Shrimp - Provide same service, thrive in captivity
• Neon Gobies - Also clean fish, much easier to keep

💔 What Happens in Captivity

1. Fish initially appears healthy and active
2. Attempts to clean tankmates (normal behavior)
3. Gradually loses weight over weeks
4. Becomes lethargic and faded
5. Dies from starvation (typically 1-6 months)

✅ Better Alternatives

Cleaner Shrimp

• Skunk Cleaner Shrimp - Active cleaner, easy to keep
• Fire Shrimp - Beautiful, cleans fish
• Peppermint Shrimp - Also provides cleaning services

Neon Goby

• Cleans fish like cleaner wrasse
• Captive-bred available
• Accepts prepared foods readily
• Thrives in aquariums

📚 Summary

The Cleaner Wrasse is a fascinating fish that belongs on the reef, not in our aquariums. Their specialized diet makes long-term survival nearly impossible, and their ecological importance means removing them harms reef ecosystems. If you want cleaning services in your tank, choose cleaner shrimp or neon gobies - they're easy to keep and don't come with the ethical concerns. Please leave cleaner wrasses in the ocean where they belong.