The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse is among tropical corals’ most widely spread cleaners. There are many Cleaner Wrasse species, but this article will refer to the Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse as it is the most prevalent of its species.
Distributed across coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region, from Eastern Africa and the Red Sea to the islands of Polynesia, the Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Through a mutualistic symbiotic interaction, it consumes parasites and necrotic tissue from the skin of larger fish species. In return, the wrasse gains food and protection, while the “client” fishes benefit from improved health and parasite removal.
Appearance
The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse can grow up to 4 inches in length; they are relatively small fish with a vivid blue color with a wide, jet-black track that extends from the apex of the head to the end of the tail. The band narrows at the anterior portion and progressively gets wider as it moves toward the tail’s distal edge.
Its defining feature is the vibrant electric blue stripe that runs horizontally along the body from behind the eye to the base of the tail. This streak provides the basis for its common name.
The blue streak is often bordered above and below in mature individuals by thin black lines. The head and underside of the body typically exhibit a white or pale coloration. The dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins often have a yellowish or orange hue, especially along the edges. The tail fin (caudal fin) is primarily blue but may have a transparent or yellowish margin.
Because they have a lateral stripe running the length of their bodies and because of the way they swim, other fish may identify them as cleaner fish. Other fish will then provide access to their body surface, gills, and occasionally mouth.
In a fascinating manner, the Bluestreak wrasse also has the amazing ability to adjust its color intensity as a way of communicating. For example, a more intense blue might signal readiness to clean, while a paler shade could indicate a submissive or non-cleaning state.
Did you know…
Cleaner wrasses establish “cleaning stations” on coral reefs where larger fish congregate to have parasites and dead skin removed. This behavior benefits the wrasse (which gains a meal) and the client fish (which receives a health boost). Despite their small size, cleaner wrasses boldly approach and clean a wide variety of fish, including large predators like sharks and groupers.
Habitat
The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse inhabits coral reefs in the tropics, from the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific. They are also spread out into Papua New Guinea, Japan, Fiji, and French Polynesia.
In its natural habitat, this fish inhabits coral reefs down to 130ft (40 meters).
The cleaning stations are created around the reef, such as rocky areas, where other fish may go to obtain alleviation from parasites. The newcomer Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse will typically be chased out of the current Cleaner Wrasse’s habitat. An encroachment is a rivalry for scarce resources.
Diet
Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasses clean host fish so they may eat the ectoparasites. They welcome guests by moving their rears up and down in a dance-like gesture when they approach the cleaning stations.
Their diet consists primarily of parasitic copepods and other invertebrates that are taken from the mouth and gill openings of larger fish. They also feed occasionally on free-swimming crustaceans.
The degree to which the Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse relies on its customers’ ectoparasites as its main food supply varies according to the locale. The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse feeds on corals rather than fish in tidal habitats such as the Great Barrier Reef.
Reproduction
Bluestreak cleaner wrasse are a hermaphrodite species. Wrasses use an external fertilization technique where the female releases her eggs into the water. The species live in harems, with the largest female turning male if the dominant male dies. If multiple males end up in one harem, one of them will turn back to being female.
Large males defend reef territory and draw several females there, frequently by engaging in a stunning courtship ritual. Within these boundaries, females reside and reproduce with males.
Planktonic larvae are formed from fertilized eggs and float freely in ocean currents. The most dominating female will assume the position of the territorial male and turn into a male within the next 20-24 hours if he departs or passes away. She takes over the area and mates with the other females.
Threats
The Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse is on the least concern list among endangered species. It doesn’t have a special protection status among all watchdog organizations committed to raising awareness for endangered species.
While aggressive predators like moray eels and barracudas can easily attack them, they most often will put their aggression to the side. The benefits that these fish provide to the ecosystem and its participants are more valuable than a simple meal.
5 More Fantastic Facts About the Cleaner Wrasse
- The first fish to ever be seen passing the mirror test were Cleaner Wrasses.
- Cleaner Wrasse forms symbiotic relationships with most other species of fish.
- The participants of the cleaning relationship are known as “clients.”
- Cleaner Wrasse is highly territorial of their cleaning stations.
- Cleaner Wrasse can switch from male to female and vice versa.
FAQs
What fish does the Cleaner Wrasse clean?
The Balaenopteridae, Chondrichthyans, Homaridae, Octopodidae, Dermochelyidae, and even highly aggressive predators such as barracudas are documented to be cleaned by the Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse.
Is Cleaner Wrasse friendly?
As a species, the Cleaner Wrasse is the least aggressive; it can be argued that they are particularly friendly as means to attract potential fish, which usually means another food source is secured.
Do Cleaner Wrasse clean sharks’ teeth?
All those little fish feed on the parasites that live on sharks’ bodies, which helps the shark. Additionally, the cleaner wrasse will make its way inside the shark’s mouth, where it will consume any scraps that the shark hasn’t previously ingested.
Are Cleaner Wrasse self-aware?
Amazingly, a recent study now contends that the cleaner wrasse, a small tropical coral fish, is the first animal to be capable of recognizing itself. To determine if an animal is capable of visual self-recognition and, therefore, self-awareness, scientists have traditionally utilized a mirror test.
