Cleaner Wrasse Yellow Patch Tonga

Quick Stats

Description

The Cleaner Wrasse Yellow Patch Tonga (Labroides phthirophagus) is a distinctive variant of the Cleaner Wrasse, recognized for the yellow patch along its body paired with a sleek, streamlined shape. It is native to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, particularly around Tonga, where it is known for its symbiotic behavior of removing parasites from larger fish.

Due to its natural feeding habits, this wrasse is considered a difficult species to maintain in captivity, as it often relies on cleaning other fish for sustenance. To ensure its health in an aquarium, it is essential to provide a diet of enriched, meaty foods like brine shrimp and finely chopped seafood. Specialized care and an established tank with a variety of fish may help simulate its natural environment.

Despite its peaceful nature and utility as a cleaner fish, the Cleaner Wrasse is best suited for advanced aquarists due to its specific feeding requirements. In a reef aquarium, it is generally safe and compatible with corals and invertebrates.

With proper care and attention to diet, the Cleaner Wrasse Yellow Patch Tonga can be a beneficial and beautiful addition to a large, well-maintained aquarium.