Four Line Cleaner Wrasse

The Four Line Cleaner Wrasse (Larabicus quadrilineatus) offered by LiveAquaria® is a beautiful marine specimen that lives in nature among the fringes of the Red Sea in areas with dense coral growth. It is brilliantly colored in deep blue and has four black horizontal bars or stripes that appear from its caudal fin to its head. Growing to a maximum of five inches, it generally has a peaceful temperament but can bother smaller, more docile fish as well as display aggression toward other Wrasses, including its own species.

In addition to the interest it adds to home aquariums, it has the positive attribute of acting as a cleaner fish when it is in its juvenile phase, helping to rid tankmates of harmful parasites. Its dedication is evident by its thoroughness, even entering the mouth and gills of larger fish to perform its cleaning duties. This activity provides the treated fish with health benefits and promotes their well-being. Known to feed on coral polyps as an adult, it is not considered reef safe, but this dynamically colored blue fish will add intrigue to fish-only saltwater aquariums and will certainly become a showcase species.

Four Line Cleaner Wrasses hailing from the Red Sea generally have a longer life span than other Cleaner Wrasses collected from other parts of the world. Another name this fish is known by is the Red Sea Cleaner Wrasse.

The aquarium for Larabicus quadrilineatus should be a minimum of 30 gallons in size and have a lid to prevent escape. To replicate its natural environment, the aquarium should have live rock with plenty of caves, crevices, and overhangs where the Four Line Cleaner Wrasse can escape to lessen stress. A sandy substrate should be provided, in which it will sleep or hide.

This member of the Labridae family is a carnivore that can adapt to aquarium life when kept in a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) aquarium and fed a variety of meaty foods. Brine and Mysis shrimp, frozen marine carnivore varieties, as well as meaty crustacean and seafood options, are excellent choices for feeding.

Care details

• Temperature: 72 - 78° F
• dKH: 8 - 12
• Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
• Color: Purple and Blue
• Family: Labridae
• Diet: Carnivore