Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse

Labroides dimidiatus

Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse is a small reef fish famous for removing parasites and dead tissue from other fish at “cleaning stations.” It is widespread on tropical Indo-Pacific reefs and is not a typical angling target.

Saltwater

Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Distinctive black lateral stripe running from snout through the eye to the tail
Bright blue body with a black head, throat, and upper back in adults
Small wrasse with a slender, elongated body and pointed snout

Habitat

Coral reefs, reef flats, and surge zones with abundant live coral and clear water, usually where cleaning stations are established among branching corals or bommies.

Bait notes

Not a practical sport-fishing species and generally should not be targeted; small reef-associated food items or tiny marine baits may be taken incidentally, but it is best left alone for reef health.

Behavior

Diurnal and highly site-faithful, often swimming in short, darting movements and picking parasites, mucus, and dead tissue from passing reef fish; feeds opportunistically on small benthic organisms when not cleaning.

Caution

Reef species in some areas may be subject to local collection protections; do not target or keep. Avoid handling with dry hands to protect the fish’s slime coat.

Fishing notes

No meaningful angling fishery exists for this species. If encountered while reef fishing, handle minimally and release immediately; avoid disrupting cleaning stations because many reef fish depend on them.