Bluestreak cleaner wrasse
A small reef fish that cleans parasites from larger marine animals.
The bluestreak cleaner wrasse is a tropical reef fish known for removing parasites from other sea creatures. It lives in the Indo-Pacific and uses specific dance-like movements to attract clients. This mutualistic relationship benefits both parties, providing food for the wrasse and health advantages for the host.
- Grows to a maximum length of 14 cm
- Changes sex from female to male when needed
- Performs a dance to attract cleaning clients
- Found on reefs from Africa to French Polynesia
What it is
This small wrasse grows to about 14 centimetres in length. Adults display a wide black stripe running horizontally along the body and through the eye. The belly and back are white or slightly yellow, while the front section turns bright blue. The black band widens near the tail. Juveniles appear mostly black with a vivid electric-blue line. They inhabit coral reefs across tropical waters.
Where it lives
These fish live on coral reefs from Eastern Africa and the Red Sea to French Polynesia. Their range includes Japan, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Kermadec Islands north of New Zealand. Researchers first recorded them in the Kermadec Marine Reserve in 2015 by reviewing documentary footage. They occupy shallow reef sectors in some areas, such as the Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve in Egypt.
How it lives
They operate at cleaning stations where they remove ectoparasites and dead tissue from larger animals. Clients include various fish, sharks, rays, lobsters, octopuses, and sea turtles. The wrasses perform a dance-like motion to signal their services. In some regions like the Great Barrier Reef, they feed more on coral than parasites. Juveniles may bite clients more frequently than adults, altering the mutualistic dynamic.
Breeding and life cycle
Males defend territories containing groups of females. If the dominant male disappears, the largest female changes sex to take over the territory. This protogynous hermaphroditism ensures continued reproductive control within the group. Genetic studies show populations fall into two main clades, with Indian Ocean and western Pacific groups showing differences in stripe width.
Fish and people
Scientists study this species for its complex social behaviours and cognitive abilities. It has potentially passed the mirror test, suggesting self-recognition. The fish plays a key role in reef health by reducing parasite loads on other species. Access to cleaning services may lower the need for active immunity in client fish, as seen in antibody response studies.
Questions people ask about Bluestreak cleaner wrasse
What does the bluestreak cleaner wrasse eat?
It primarily consumes ectoparasites and dead tissue from larger fish and marine animals. In some tidal environments, it also feeds on coral polyps rather than relying solely on client parasites.
How do other fish recognize the cleaner wrasse?
Client fish identify them by the distinctive lateral black stripe along their bodies and their specific dance-like movement patterns. These signals indicate that the wrasse offers cleaning services rather than posing a threat.
Can this fish change its gender?
Yes, it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. Females live in territories controlled by a dominant male. If the male dies or leaves, the largest female changes sex to become the new dominant male.
Good reading and sources
- Client ChallengeNature, Article
- Scientists find some fish can ‘recognise themselves’ in mirrorThe Guardian, Article
- Bluestreak cleaner wrasse on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Bluestreak cleaner wrasse", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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