The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, scientifically known as Labroides dimidiatus, is a vibrant and fascinating fish species that plays a crucial role in the delicate balance of coral reef ecosystems. This small yet impactful fish is a master of symbiosis, offering a unique cleaning service to a wide variety of larger fish.
Description & Characteristics
The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse is easily recognized by its striking coloration. The body is a brilliant blue, bisected by a bold black stripe that extends from the snout to the tail. This distinct pattern, along with its relatively small size, with a maximum length of 14.0 cm, makes it a visually captivating inhabitant of coral reefs.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse thrives in a variety of marine environments, including the Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. This adaptable species is often found in neritic zones, which encompasses the waters extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus, belongs to the Class: Teleostei, which comprises most of the bony fishes. It is further classified within the Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis, a group that includes diverse families of fish with a wide range of evolutionary relationships. Finally, it is a member of the Family: Labridae, commonly known as the wrasse family, a group known for their colorful and diverse appearance.
Feeding
The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus, is a highly specialized feeder, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of coral reefs. Their diet primarily consists of parasites and dead tissue, which they meticulously remove from the bodies of larger fish. This “cleaning” service is a symbiotic relationship, benefiting both the cleaner wrasse and the client fish. The wrasse gains a reliable source of food, and the client fish is rid of potentially harmful parasites and infections. The diverse diet of Labroides dimidiatus includes Brine Shrimp Nauplii, Brine Shrimps, Cyclops, Flakes, Frozen Food (large sort), Krill, Lettuce, Lobster eggs, Mosquito larvae, Mysis, Nori-Algae, and Zooplankton.
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