Little Shop of Coral
Blue Streak Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides demidiatus)
Blue Streak Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides demidiatus)
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The Blue Streak Cleaner Wrasse is famous for its “cleaning station” behavior, where it picks parasites and dead tissue from other fish. It is active, striking, and fascinating to watch, but it is also a specialized feeder that can be challenging to keep long-term in many home aquariums. This species is best suited for experienced keepers with large, mature systems and a well-planned feeding strategy.
Why we love it
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Iconic cleaner behavior and constant activity
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Sets up a cleaning station that other fish will visit
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Sleek black, white, and electric blue stripe pattern
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A true behavior-based showcase fish
Care & Compatibility
Care Level: Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Specialized (often difficult to sustain long-term)
Adult Size: ~5"
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons recommended (larger, mature systems preferred)
Feeding (Very Important)
In the wild, cleaner wrasses feed heavily on parasites and mucus from other fish. In aquariums, many struggle because that food source is not reliable. Success improves when they consistently accept prepared foods such as:
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Frozen mysis and finely chopped seafood
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High-quality small pellets and flakes offered multiple times daily
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Frequent, small feedings throughout the day
Even with good feeding, long-term success can vary, so this is not a typical “set and forget” wrasse.
Tank & Setup Notes
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Best in a mature, stable aquarium with a healthy fish community
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Provide rockwork and crevices for sleeping
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Strong oxygenation and stable parameters are important
Compatibility Tips
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Generally peaceful with most community fish
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Works best in tanks with multiple larger fish that tolerate cleaning behavior
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Avoid aggressive fish that may harass it or prevent it from feeding
Acclimation & Health
Careful acclimation is recommended, and quarantine can be challenging because it may not feed well in sparse setups. Close monitoring during the first few weeks is essential to ensure it is eating prepared foods and maintaining body weight.
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LIGHT
LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.
MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height.
HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.
FLOW
LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.
MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.
HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.
SKILL
ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.
While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.
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