Overview
- Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found in coral reefs where it provides cleaning services to other fish.
- Distinguished by its striking two-tone coloration, with a dark upper body and a yellow lower half.
- Known for its symbiotic relationship with larger reef fish, removing parasites from their scales and gills.
- Highly active and constantly on the move, making it an engaging species to observe.
Feeding
- Primarily feeds on parasites and dead skin from other fish in the wild.
- In captivity, can be challenging to feed, requiring live foods, frozen brine shrimp, and high-protein pellets.
- May take time to adapt to prepared foods, but a varied diet helps sustain long-term health.
- Offering multiple small feedings throughout the day increases survival rates.
Habitat
- Prefers coral-rich environments with plenty of swimming space and access to cleaning stations.
- Requires a well-maintained reef aquarium with stable water parameters.
- Best kept in mature aquariums with established fish populations.
- Moderate water flow mimics its natural habitat and supports its active swimming behavior.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C).
- pH level: 8.1-8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.023-1.026.
- Extremely sensitive to poor water conditions; requires excellent filtration and stable parameters.
- Best suited for experienced aquarists due to its delicate nature and specialized diet.
Compatibility
- Generally peaceful but should not be housed with overly aggressive or territorial fish.
- Compatible with most reef-safe species, especially those that tolerate cleaning interactions.
- Not ideal for tanks with fish that may not accept its cleaning behavior.
- Should be kept singly unless in a very large system with multiple cleaning stations.
Aquarium Behavior
- Highly active swimmer, often seen darting around the tank in search of hosts to clean.
- Establishes cleaning stations where other fish voluntarily approach for parasite removal.
- Can become stressed if not provided with sufficient interaction opportunities.
- Requires a well-structured environment to thrive and exhibit natural behaviors.