Fin's Fish Guide
The Cleaner wrasse (Diproctacanthus xanthurus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The yellowtail tubelip is a small wrasse from the Western Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a light-brown body with two dark longitudinal stripes and a yellow tail. Juveniles act as cleaner fish removing parasites from larger reef fish; adults feed mainly on coral mucus and polyps, which they suck up with their tubular lips. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The fish appears in the reef aquarium. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cleaner wrasse?
The Cleaner wrasse has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Tubular lips; a cleaner fish when young, a coral-mucus eater when adult; protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Cleaner wrasse live?
The Cleaner wrasse lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific
How big does the Cleaner wrasse get?
The Cleaner wrasse grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Cleaner wrasse dangerous to humans?
No, the Cleaner wrasse is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Cleaner wrasse edible?
The Cleaner wrasse is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Cleaner wrasse?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cleaner wrasse is one of 12,519 species in the app.