Cleaner Wrasse 7/19/06
Thanks so much for your great site. <Thanks for the compliments.>  So much to learn and this is the by far the best website out there.  I have looked but hope I am not repeating a question that has already been answered but here goes.  
Can you please explain what form of parasite does a cleaner wrasse eat? <Mostly parasitic Isopods, copepods, and fish scales according to fishbase.org.> I understand somewhat the cycle of ick that on the fish the wrasse will pick but what about when they drop off and into the substrate and again when they float in the water, do the wrasse 'eat' that form also or only when you see on the fish. <Really don't eat these often, but definitely only when on the fish.>
Also, the LFS stated my cleaner shrimp doesn't 'clean' my fish because I feed him too well.  Could this be the case? <To some degree, but most won't in aquariums regardless of diet.>
I am using medicated fish food now as well as Ick Attack and the Hippo tang (I know aka Ick Magnet) has definitely improved. Would the medicated food work internally and a UV sterilizer to break the floating stage break the cycle?? <Unlikely>  Logically I think this is an option but would like your perspective on the idea....Thanks so much.
<Only reliable method is to remove all fish from the tank and treat in a separate hospital tank while allowing the tank to run fallow for 4 to 6 weeks.>
Sandy
<Please read http://www.wetwebmedia.com/labroide.htm and http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ichartmar.htm for more info.>
<Chris>

Replaced The Tangs - 01/10/06 Selection, Labroides...
Dear Eric
<<Hi Akila!>>
I'm still waiting for your feedback on my earlier email.  Anyway just reply me whenever you are free. Thanks
<<Mmm, I have replied to all I have received.>>
I returned the Powder Blue Tang and the huge Clown Wrasse (Red
Coris Wrasse) I bought earlier and replaced them with one Banner
Fish (5") and a Threadfin Butterfly (5").  How is my choice this time?
<<Much better...though you still have the Clown Tang...trouble down the road I fear.>>
I read many articles that said they are easy to maintain.
<<Easier/more suitable than the Powder Blue...agreed.>>
Also they look amazingly pictorial.
<<Agreed again>>
I also bought a small 1-1/2 inch Cleaner Wrasse cuz I read on the net that they are very good for removing parasites from other animals in the tank.  Is this true?
<<I wish you had dug a bit deeper Akila.  While it is true the Cleaner Wrasses (Labroides sp.) are good at what they do, they make poor aquarium choices due to their preferred/specified diet.  Most will accept no other source of food other than what they can pick off the fish, and your aquarium fish won't be able to provide enough nourishment...not to mention the constant harassment/stress incurred by the fish from the starving attentions of the Cleaner Wrasse.  If you want a "cleaner" fish, better to go with a Cleaner "Goby" like Gobiosoma oceanops.>>
Anyway let me know about the Seaweed also. Please refer to my earlier email.
<<Hmm, thought I did...but here it is again...(Hmm, having not traveled (yet) that part of the world I have no idea what might be available to you.  See if you can get some dried Nori from a market/specialty food store, else order some algae flake foods from the from etailers on the internet.)>>
Appreciate your response
Thanks
Best regards
Akila
<<Be chatting...EricR>>

Pass On This Wrasse!
Thanks Scott
<Always a pleasure!>
Don't think I am gonna go with corals just gonna stick with the live rock.
<Nothing wrong with that plan>
You mentioned "sans cleaner wrasse", what is this?
<Heh, Heh- it's me using some funny language! "Sans" essentially is my perverted use of a French word for "without"...My point was that you should employ your stocking plan, minus the wrasse! No species called a "sans wrasse"...LOL>
Could I possibly keep this species?
<I personally do not recommend the keeping of any cleaner wrasses in captivity...>
I was thinking of the blue line one.
<I think you are referring to a Labroides species...More adaptable than many others, but I still don't like 'em...>
Please advise.
<You got it! Happy New Year! Regards, Scott F.>

Cleaner Wrasse
Bob,
I have a question about the Cleaner Wrasse, Labroides sp.
<Okay>
I agree they should stay in the ocean. Poor survivability in captivity and the constant stress they cause by harassing other occupants should be reason enough.
<We agree... 'cept for folks with mucho experience, knowledge beforehand of their likelihood of success... large, well-established, lots-o-fishes tanks... leave them Labroides be>
I recall a BBC documentary which claimed the adults revert from parasites to fish flesh, much like the look-a-like Fang Tooth Blenny, Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos.
<Interesting... in observing a few species in the wild, some of their "hosts" do seem to "really flinch" at times... am not so sure that only necrotic tissue and parasites are all that is being extracted>
I also remember reading something to this effect but can't remember the author. Was this your article?
<Possibly... all is stored on WetWebMedia(.com)>
Do you have any further information on this topic?
I looked through most of your archives, however missed anything on adult behavior.
<Am going to be adding (sigh) a "Behavior FAQs" folder/page to all organismal groups in time... this will go there for the genus>
As I stated I believe they should stay in the sea and I'm trying to gather all the information I can to pass along to other hobbyists.
<Sounds like a/the grand opportunity to get out in the field and do a bit of scientific collecting. Am cc'ing Dr. Randall here to see if he can offer input. Jack? Bob Fenner>
Thanks,
Ed Kruzel
President
El Paso Marine Aquarium Society
<Be seeing you, Bob Fenner>

Re: Cleaner Wrasse
Bob:
<Dr. Randall>
I have one comment.  When I described the Hawaiian cleaner wrasse, I thought its principal source of food was crustacean ectoparasites of reef fishes.
Now we know that it may be mucus. Gorlick (1980) determined that considerable mucus is ingested by the Hawaiian Labroides, which shows a
preference for cleaning fishes with much mucus. I have suggested that the bilobed lower lip of the species of Labroides may serve as a scoop to
facilitate the removal of mucus.
Aloha, Jack
<Very interesting... am sure there is more to the nutritional needs of this wrasse than mucin... but that most energy needs are derived from skin mucus?... Thank you. Bob Fenner>

Cleaner Wrasse & Gobies
Hey Bob,
I am wondering if it is necessary to put a new cleaner wrasse or neon cleaner goby (not yet purchased) into my quarantine tank before going into
the show tank as I would with any other new arrival? What protects these cleaners from the ick and other parasites? Thanks for the help.
Eric Blanton
>>
Am not a big fan of Cleaner Wrasses of the genus Labroides (they by and large don't live period), but there are other labrid cleaner species... And Cleaner Gobies... both are small animals that are easily starved in the acclimation, quarantine process (let alone shipping and handling to get to you)... so be aware of this and take extra care to make sure they are fed/nutrified. 
Good question re their susceptibility to external parasites. Turns out, they can "catch" them as well... but do have their own cleaners in turn... 
If it were me, I'd still freshwater dip/bath these species and quarantine them... to be sure.
Bob Fenner

Better Labroides selection
Sorry to ask again, I've read a lot of your articles at wetwebmedia. They are very useful.
I have a question, probably you have heard a lot about.
Its about the cleaner wrasse.
Which one do you think is ok, the Hawaiian One or the pacific blue one.
I've read about their stories of not doing well in captive. and some that do ok. Please advise on this. Also will a larger cleaner
wrasse be a trouble to fish smaller than it.
My angel is 2 inches, and if the cleaner wrasse is 3-4 inches do you think its ok.
If it was the case do you think my setup is ok:
1-Cleaner Wrasse
1-Koran Angel
1-Yellow Tang
2-percs
all in 55 w/ cleanup crew.
thanks again. >>
>>
None of the genus Labroides wrasses do well in captivity. Less than one percent live more than a month in my estimation. Read over the article and FAQs on "Labroides" on the site: Home Page ... and other cleaners pieces there. Instead for function's sake look into Gobiosoma gobies, Lysmata shrimp species...
Bob Fenner

Good morning healthy cleaner wrasse!
Bob,
thanks for the instant response.
this morning the "cocooned" is out of the slime swimming pecking for parasites on his tankmates.
Can we conclude that this Labroides dimidiatus secreted the mucus "cocoon"?
<I believe so>
If some predator had captured the wrasse in its mucus trap, could the wrasse
emerge behaving so normally this morning?
<Not likely>
finally, why do you suggest that I probably have a mystery culprit in my tank? (to account for the "cocoon"?)
<In part, and from your account of mystery losses, including a lack of bodies>
I have one small (<1"), very slow bright yellow cucumber and have never seen any large worms.
I appreciate your insights. Gemstoner >>
<And I your input, Bob Fenner>

Why not a cleaner wrasse
Thanks for the quick answer about my 37 gal. tank. 
<No problem.>
You mentioned that you didn't like the idea of getting a cleaner common (blue streak) wrasse for parasites. I looked on the web site and couldn't find the information about them. 
[ http://www.wetwebmedia.com/labroide.htm ]
Are they too aggressive or don't they survive long , in an aquarium?
<Bob's article at the above URL will explain all... best regards, Lorenzo>

Labroides Wrasse Keeping Success
Bob,
I will try to explain my success with the L. Cleaner Wrasse, within my ability to do so. I am by no means an expert in this area,
<What is an expert? You have been successful here and are relating valuable experiences>
but here is the info. When I first purchased this specimen, I had a small outbreak of Ich.
He immediately went to work cleaning the hosts...i.e.. Powder Blue Tang, Emperor Angel, etc. When the symptoms seemed to clear, he immediately
started to eat the frozen food to which I feed my community. The food he loves the most is Krill. When I bought him, he was about 1 inch long 
<Ahh, I think this is a major element of your success... the fish started small (they eat other foods then, and like all wild life, are more flexible/adaptable to captive conditions as young...>
and now he is close to 2 inches in length. He feeds on the various foods I give him until his stomach is quite bloated. When I clean my Tank, about
every 3-4 weeks, My Angel and Powder Blue get quite stressed. Maybe the stress is triggering parasites to the hosts which might give the added
nutrition necessary for his survival. Since I have had him, I have had yet to see a parasitic breakout. I mix the food on a daily basis, I keep at
least 7 varieties, and he seems to know what to go for. I think the key with my success, to include all of my fish, is that I mix such a great
variety of food. I know now that I've talked about this, I'll probably go home and see him floating, but really, that's all I can figure. It costs a
little more to do it my way, but I've taken my responsibility for these fish very seriously. I hope this helps.
Doug
<Assuredly it has my friend... will post to the general FAQs section on WWM and move off in a couple of days to the Labroides (genus, wrasses) section for others edification. I thank you. Bob Fenner>

Cleaner Wrasse contradiction
Hi Bob,
I'm not trying to "catch you up" or anything but I know you want the info on your articles and FAQs to be accurate.
<Yes>
You don't have to put this on your daily FAQ or anything as I am not trying to embarrass you.
<Only I could do that my friend>>
But I was reading up on the clownfish pages, but on the section on diseases you recommend Labroides Wrasses.
www.wetwebmedia.com/clownfis.htm
(Look towards bottom of the page.)
Gosh I know you don't anymore, looks like an older page perhaps? I thought you might like to know this was still there??
<Very... very likely... do see the reference you mention... Labroides who have "made it" used to be used to clean up mainly Brooklynella (hostilis) infestations in wild-caught Amphiprionines... Perhaps clarification (and definitely whatever is the cause of the all-emboldened part of the file, sheesh, can be offered.>
BTW, had a good time with our now mutual friend Zo this weekend at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. I didn't need him to move any couches. :-)
<Ah yes, and no... a missed opportunity. Will add an addendum with your suggestion tomorrow. Thank you. Bob Fenner>
--des aka Jane

Common blue cleaner wrasse
Bob,
My friend Carlos, you prob. know him. You met him at the marine conf. At Embassy Suites Monterey CA. Anyhow he's had this common blue cleaner wrasse for months! He's in a 240 gal. with all sorts of fish. Angels, Tangs etc.. I'm sure Carlos has told you about his tank. Anyhow the wrasse is flourishing, eating frozen formula cubes, and also doing what he's suppose to do, clean fish. Is this luck, or did he get a good decent condition blue cleaner wrasse?? Whets your input regarding this? Carlos's example is influencing me to go and find a good specimen.
<As the years go by there seem to be more success stories in keeping Labroides wrasses, particularly L. dimidiatus. More are certainly living for longer than let's say ten or twenty years back... But most (a majority) still die within a week. Try them and you'll see. An exception or two does not make a/the rule. Good luck. Bob Fenner>
Thanks
Lee

Would like to invite you to a message board discussion about cleaner wrasses
Hi Mr. Fenner. :)
Sorry to bug you directly but I'm involved in a discussion on cleaner wrasses at Reefland's message board. I'm dead set against anyone keeping these fish in home aquaria, but others are advocating that they're ok to keep.
<Mmm, most of the time, not OK, as you and I know>
I wanted to invite you as an expert to chime in. I was reading an article you wrote on the subject (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/labroide.htm) and thought people might listen more to you than to me. As it is, the person making the inquiry thinks now that they are ok to keep. He's going with my suggestion neon gobies) really only because they're cheaper and smaller..... :(
Here's a link to the thread:
http://www.reefland.com/cgi-bin/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=27117#post27117
Thanks for your time sir!
-Mike Harris
<And thank you for your interest, involvement in the hobby and planet. Will have to get to Monday... enroute back from MACNA... Bob Fenner>

Re: Would like to invite you to a message board discussion about cleaner wrasses
Thanks for trying! I actually received your post as a "private message" on Reefland..... Not sure how that happened. 
<What? Me neither... very likely my ignorance of their posting protocol... please do cut/paste and make viewable to all Mike if you deem worthwhile.>
Worst comes to worst I guess I could always just cut and paste it into a reply. Sorry you're having a hard time getting in. 
<Ah! No worries my friend. Bob Fenner>
-Mike

Re: Would like to invite you to a message board discussion about cleaner wrasses
Hi again, Mr. Fenner. :)
Wow, this has sparked a HUGE debate. One of the debaters started a separate
thread for it. You might want to take a look, as your name seems to be
getting bandied about quite a bit. :)
<Ah, glad to be of some service in "stirring the pot" as it were, if it leads to some enlightenment. Think I have managed to send along a real posted reply/input this time: Ninong, thank you for your input. You are correct re the sources of information, field experimentation in "the land down under" refuting early speculation on the role of Oxyjulis californica (the Senorita Wrasse, a for-sure non-obligate cleaner off of the Californias)... and the intergradation of L. dimidiatus betwixt obligate-facultative cleaner is one I would argue.
Also, thanks to Ravenmore/Mike for his ongoing help (along with Scott Zachow at Reefland) for bringing me up to speed and making known this discussion.
As much as I like "artful forms of persuasive argument", i.e. rhetorical strings, this matter of issues, particularly the incidental mortality of the genus Labroides, is approachable as "science"... Contact folks in the marine import, wholesale business, or an honest retailer... and ask them how many of these fish/es they lose. Some few folks have been "lucky", and indeed, survivability may well have improved over the years... Much more likely, the isolated incidences of success with this species (specimens persisting more than three months let's say), are due to a limited source to shipping phenomenon (a "good" collector, fortuitous shipping arrangements, decent wholesaler/distributor getting not-too traumatized specimens that aren't too-starved to the end-user in initially good health)...
I stand by my impression, cataloging of the overall suitability of these species in captivity. The vast majority die quite soon, mostly from starvation. 
Do concur that there is enormous difference of opinion on the "importance" of cleaners as ectoparasite, and necrotic tissue removers on the world's reefs... but have seen even HUGE pelagics come in to shallows, obviously for a "cleaning".
Are there "other" cleaners? Certainly? Are there local epidemics )e.g. crypt, Amyloodinium) that result in significant fish population losses in the wild? Again, of a certainty, yes. 
If Labroides are/were collected extensively in these areas does this have a significant impact on the outcome of such infestations? I don't know, but suspect there is some (perhaps not biostatistically "significant") negative impact.
Again, there is no "reason" to arguing numbers here. Labroides dimidiatus "pay" to divers is about a nickel over its range, 30-50 cents a "piece" (term used in the industry) FOB to mainland whlse/distr.s and what retail? Ask your suppliers why the big mark-ups... If they will, have them supply you with their suppliers contact info. Or look for the same on our Links Page (www.WetWebMedia.com). The members of this genus don't live at all well in captivity HISTORICALLY. 
Their importance in the wild? Where's the endemic Hawaiian L. phthirophagus? ("the disease eater") in the trade? Think about this and investigate my friends.
Bob Fenner
Here's the new thread:
http://www.reefland.com/cgi-bin/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=27608#post276
08
Thanks again, sir.
-Mike
<Be chatting my friend. Bob Fenner>

Labroides in Hawai'i, our tanks
Lastly, I would like to inform you of an interchange that was inspired by your book.
<Okay>
At 2:25 PM -0800 2/11/02, R.B. Jones wrote:
>I am writing to inform you that although your business has been highly recommended on the rec.aquaria.marine.reefs newsgroup, I
>cannot bring myself to do business with you in light of your offering of the Golden Cleaner Wrasse, Hawaii - Labroides
>phthirophagus also known as: Cleaner Royal, Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse.
>The removal of any of the Labroides has far too great an impact on their natural environments.
>Last time I checked, the collection of Labroides phthirophagus specifically has been banned since 1996.
>Until your practice of offering these fish to unknowing hobbyists ceases, I will do my best to discourage fellow conscientious
>aquarists to support your enterprise.
At 1:56 PM -0800 2/11/02, MarineDepotLive wrote:
>We are sorry to hear about that. May you send us some literature on this please? We do not support any removal of species that may be 
>hazardous to the environment.
>Currently, as far I know, we have not sent out any of these.
At 6:58 PM -0800 2/11/02, R.B. Jones wrote:
>http://www.wetwebmedia.com/labroide.htm please note the bibliography at the bottom of the link
(I never could find any specific reference to the collection ban that is mentioned on page 282.)
I haven't heard back from them since, but the fish is still offered on their site (http://store.yahoo.com/marinedepotlive/793894.html). I
can't remember if it carried their proprietary "restricted species" classification when I first ran across it there.
I thought it might be helpful to bring this to your attention.
<Thank you. Turns out the DNR of Hawai'i doesn't currently ban the collection of this labrid. My opinion stands however; that it should not be removed from the wild. L. dimidiatus is in much greater abundance, and worth "experimenting" on for those so inclined. Will send your note off to: Ken Wong at Marine Depot, the WWM Crew to get cracking on devising the separate Pond Index/Site, publisher James Lawrence of now Microcosm/TFH, myself to make copious notes... Thank you again. Bob Fenner>

Re: link permission (but wait, there's more!)
Sankyu.
><Note: ... make "policy stmt" re use of materials for homepage...>
"EGG-cellent...Bob. Can I call you 'Bob?'"
<Certainly... after all, it is my name>
And a very quick response, I might add!
>don't know if/that Jules or Mike have such sites. Will send along your query and add theirs as links if so>
Arigato.
<Don't touch my mustache, dotashi mashiite>
>That, and a photo of a six-line wrasse would have been nice too. : 
> )
><Please see here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/pseudocheilinus.htm>
Domo arigato.
<You're welcome>
>>offering of the Golden Cleaner Wrasse, Hawaii - Labroides
> Will send your note off to: Ken Wong at Marine Depot, the WWM Crew to get cracking on devising the separate Pond Index/Site, publisher
>James Lawrence of now Microcosm/TFH, myself to make copious  notes...>
Arigato gozaimasu - for forwarding my concerns on to more folks who are in positions of greater influence than I. Knowing that the little
"stink" that I raised has just been magnified and given new momentum, is a rare exception in a field that usually leaves one feeling like
little more has been accomplished than shouting at the wind.
<Indeed>
You know, I wrote "*my* concerns" above, but I wouldn't have had a clue about the importance of Marine Depot's offering if it hadn't been for your book.
<Ah, the pleasure>
On an unrelated point, does the WWM site have any representation of what the pages in *your* aquarium log books look like? I've finally
started keeping logs, but they're still an inconsistent mess.
<Do you mean a sort of site map? The public view is sort of like what we call "Indices" (tables of contents, ordered lists by category: marine, ponds...). The Navigation View within the system is much larger, involved... an ongoing work in progress, effort to keep, build all orderly, aid in helping the WWM crew get around there>
Domo arigato gozaimasu.
-rb
<Thank you my friend. Bob Fenner>
P.S. If necessary, please forgive the possibly inappropriate use or unintended mangling of the Japanese "thank you's.
<Wakarimas>

Disturbing Thread on RC about Cleaner Wrasses
Hi Bob,
<<Bob is away diving, he'll return 12/7. JasonC here answering the WetWebMedia mail. Bob will be reviewing all this mail I'm sure so he'll get back to you. For the benefit of the WWM readers, I'm going to post the pith of this message on the daily's so that they can post at will. Bob can chime in upon his return.>>
I was wondering if you could jump in and comment on a post on Reef Central. I posted that removing cleaner wrasses from the wild has a detrimental effect on the fish that are left behind on the reef.
<<Funny, I just answered a question regarding this very issue yesterday. Only alternative to purchase in Sydney, AU.>>
Well, the direction the post is taking is that there are no studies or proof that this is destructive, that it is just a myth or hearsay. In fact, one of the posters has linked an article that says it isn't destructive (unfortunately, the link isn't working for me right now).
<<I'm sure this opinion is boosted by non-divers - people who've never seen them in person.>>
Anyway, I hate to see all these people reading this thread and coming to the conclusion that it is ok to buy cleaner wrasses.
<<erk... not good.>>
Here is the link Reef Central Post
Could you maybe jump in with your expert opinion?? I think it would change the direction of the post and maybe dissuade some reefers from purchasing these animals that are best left on the reef.
<<And hopefully Bob will when he returns - hope this it still timely. In the meanwhile, faithful readers... if you frequent RC, please chime in on this.>>
Thanks for your effort. Joyce
<<You are quite welcome. Will make sure Bob sees this. Cheers, J -- >>

The Post that Started the RC Thread
Sorry, I meant to send the link. Here it is: Cleaner Wrasse Controversy
<<Thanks a lot, will post this along with your original message for all to see, respond. Cheers, J -- >>

CLEANER WRASSE
Dear Bob,
Just would like to share my experience with the common cleaner wrasse. It has been for many years that I have heeded many articles claiming that these cleaners should be left in the sea and a better choice would be the cleaner shrimps. These are also included in the near impossible list of fish alive in captivity like the regal angel, pinnatus and ribbon eel.
<By and large factual... most Labroides do die within a week of capture... but certainly not all>
It started after my success with having a regal for about 2 years and I decided to take the plunge on a cleaner wrasse, after I felt that the skunk cleaners, being about 5 times more expensive, are not really efficient in their duties. Now, 1 year later, I have four of these doctors, one each in 4 different tanks and they eat anything from frozen brine shrimp to flakes.
I cannot be 4 times lucky and I strongly believe the secret is in selection of a healthy specimen and I hope this would encourage aquarist to try this fish. 
<Agree with the above... techniques, flight times have greatly improved the aquatic livestock business the last decade and more>
I cannot but feel that many articles are written against this fish so that more shrimps can be purchased.
<Nah. I don't think this is the case...>
For your info, in this part of the world, cleaner wrasse are about US$1.50/each whereas skunk shrimps are US$7.50/pc.
<Labroides dimidiatus are quite common and easy to catch comparatively (with Lysmata shrimps, other Labroides species)>
So much for now and my fingers are itching to try either the pinnatus or the ribbon eel.
<Good luck my friend. Let me know of your efforts, results. Thank you for this input. Will post on WetWebMedia.com Bob Fenner>

Disturbing Post About Cleaner Wrasses
Hi Bob,
How are you doing??? I'm looking forward to seeing you at the LA club X-mas party in a few weeks.
<Me too>
I was wondering if you could jump in and comment on a post on Reef Central. I posted that removing cleaner wrasses from the wild has a detrimental effect on the fish that are left behind on the reef.
<Am largely of this same opinion... though the last couple of years have heard from a field investigator (a young woman in Australia if memory serves) that Labroides removal had no discernible negative effects...>
Well, the direction the post is taking is that there are no studies or proof that this is destructive, that it is just a myth or hearsay. In fact, one of the posters has linked an article that says it isn't destructive (unfortunately, the link isn't working for me right now).
<Mmm, will look... there actually have been removal studies in the wild...>
Anyway, I hate to see all these people reading this thread and coming to the conclusion that it is ok to buy cleaner wrasses.
Here is the link
http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=933326056f174b39edaffda7bcc3a15a&postid=328982#post328982
Could you maybe jump in with your expert opinion?? I think it would change the direction of the post and maybe dissuade some reefers from purchasing these animals that are best left on the reef.
Thanks for your effort. Joyce
<Thank you for bringing this to my attention. My general opinions re the genus are posted here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/labroide.htm
Be seeing you, Bob Fenner>

Re: Disturbing Post About Cleaner Wrasses
Lucky Bob!!! Thanks for the reply Jason. Hope to see you all soon.
Here's the text of the of the article that was published that stated that removing the cleaner wrasses is not harmful:
Oecologia
ISSN: 0029-8549 (printed version)
ISSN: 1432-1939 (electronic version)
Table of Contents
Abstract Volume 111 Issue 1 (1997) pp 137-143
Effect of the removal of cleaner fish on the abundance and species
composition of reef fish
Alexandra S. Grutter
Department of Marine Biology, James Cook University of North Queensland,
Townsville, Qld., 4811, Australia
Received: 28 October 1996 / Accepted: 7 February 1997
Abstract The ecological significance of cleaner fish on coral reefs was investigated. I removed all cleaner fish, Labroides dimidiatus, from eight
small reefs, measured the subsequent effect on the abundance and species composition of all reef fish after 3 and 6 months, and compared it with
eight control reefs with cleaner fish. The removal of cleaner fish had no detectable effect on the total abundance of fish on reefs and the total
number of fish species at both times. Multivariate analysis by non-metric multidimensional scaling and ANOSIM pair wise tests based on 191 fish species
revealed no effect of cleaners on the community structure of fish. Similar results were obtained using principal components analysis on subsets of the
data using the 33 most common fish species and the 15 most abundant species (\geq5 individuals per reef ) with both log10 (x + 1) transformed data and
with fish numbers standardized for abundance. This study demonstrates that the removal of cleaner fish for 6 months did not result in fish suffering
increased mortality nor in fish leaving reefs to seek cleaning elsewhere.
Re: Disturbing Post About Cleaner Wrasses
Hi Bob,
<<Bob is away diving, he'll return 12/7. JasonC here answering the  WetWebMedia mail. Bob will be reviewing all this mail I'm sure so he'll get
> back to you. For the benefit of the WWM readers, I'm going to post the pith of this message on the daily's so that they can post at will. Bob can chime
> in upon his return.>>
> How are you doing??? I'm looking forward to seeing you at the LA club X-mas  party in a few weeks.
> I was wondering if you could jump in and comment on a post on Reef Central.
> I posted that removing cleaner wrasses from the wild has a detrimental  effect on the fish that are left behind on the reef.
> <<Funny, I just answered a question regarding this very issue yesterday. Only alternative to purchase in Sydney, AU.>>
> Well, the direction the post is taking is that there are no studies or proof that this is destructive, that it is just a myth or hearsay. In fact, one of  the posters has linked an article that says it isn't destructive (unfortunately, the link isn't working for me right now).
> <<I'm sure this opinion is boosted by non-divers - people who've never seen them in person.>>
> Anyway, I hate to see all these people reading this thread and coming to the conclusion that it is ok to buy cleaner wrasses.
> <<erk... not good.>>
> Here is the link
http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=933326056f174b39edaffda7bcc3a15a&postid=328982#post328982
> Could you maybe jump in with your expert opinion?? I think it would change the direction of the post and maybe dissuade some reefers from purchasing these animals that are best left on the reef.
<<And hopefully Bob will when he returns - hope this it still timely. In the meanwhile, faithful readers... if you frequent RC, please chime in on this.>>
> Thanks for your effort. Joyce
> <<You are quite welcome. Will make sure Bob see's this. Cheers, J -- 
<Thanks for this timely input Jas... this is the person I e-chatted w/ re the topic. Bob Fenner>

Re: Disturbing Post About Cleaner Wrasses
Sorry, I meant to send the link. Here it is: http://link.springer-ny.com/link/se...01/71110137.htm
<Got it. Again, thank you. Bob Fenner>

Wrasses
Dear Bob Fenner,
<Steven Pro this morning. I am part of the WWM crew and filling in for Bob as he is off in Australia.>
I am researching the use of cleaner wrasse in marine aquaria and the possible effects that their collection from coral reefs may have on the reef fish ecology. I am currently writing a peer review paper on this subject and am interested in anecdotal evidence of their cleaning and parasite removal behaviour in captivity in addition to their survival rate and any problems associated with keeping them. I would be very grateful if you could send me any information you have on the cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus or any links to aquarium dealers who promote their use so that I can incorporate this into my research.
Thank you in advance for your assistance, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
<You can read Bob's piece on these fish at this link http://www.wetwebmedia.com/labroide.htm >
Kind regards, Steve Box
<Good luck! Send us a copy of your paper when it is finished. -Steven Pro>

Cleaner Wrasse Questions/Issues
Hi Bob,
<<JasonC filling while Bob is away diving.>>
I'm a newbie to the hobby (about 3months), having become addicted by way of purchasing a saltwater setup as a present for my fiancé. I now find I spend most of my waking hours outside of work reading and planning my existing and future setups. <<welcome to the addiction.>>
Up until last week all was going well until I had an outbreak of ich on the Blue Regal Tang. I had no quarantine tank (discovering the importance of this the hard way) so figured damage minimization was the only possibility (lowering salinity & increasing temp). <<ok>>
Out of fear of losing all the stock who we have become very attached to (Picasso Trigger 2 inch, Humbug, 2 false peculiar clowns + the Tang), <<ahh, this gave me a chuckle - it's actually "Percula" clown, but peculiar is ok because they are peculiar. ;-) >> I began looking for a Neon Goby or a cleaner shrimp only to discover that none of the shops in Sydney had heard of either, but some recommended using a cleaner wrasse. <<uh oh...>> In desperation I went against your advice and purchased one....... 
After some initial harassment by the Humbug & Trigger the wrasse went straight to work and cleaned up the Tang in no time. It is now feeding on brine shrimp. I have been told many different stories by many different people. Some say that the wrasse only goes through the motions but doesn't clean ich, some say it only eats ich and then will die of starvation and others that it will eat other food, but die anyway.
Questions:
Are neon gobies only available in the US? <<hard to imagine this is the case but perhaps. They are supposed to be easy to breed. Perhaps you can procure some and introduce them down under...>>
Is there any chance of the wrasse surviving past 6 months? <<I doubt it. The real issue with these is that they "were" servicing a wide chunk of reef and saw - who knows - perhaps several hundred fish in a day to be cleaned. So... good thing that it eats brine, but it's going to need more than that to stay healthy. Odds are against it. But back to the reef - cleaner wrasses are few and far between - think of the hole that is left by the individual now in your tank. The only way to stop collectors from taking them from the reef is to refuse to buy them. Some day the dealers and stores will learn. Perhaps take the following web links to your fish store - maybe they know the neon goby by a different name: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/neongobies.htm >>
Regards,
Michael.
<<Cheers, J -- >>

Cleaner fish/inverts?
Mr. Fenner,
<Steven Pro, part of the WWM crew, in this evening.>
I have two questions for you. One is regarding a cleaner fish/invert for my tank and it's inhabitants. I have a 5" adult emperor angel, 6" Naso tang, 3" threadfin b/f, 3" raccoon b/f, and 2.5" purple tang in my 125g tank. I plan on adding a few more fish, but would like to have something in my tank to clean any parasites from the fish if they have any. I just added the 2 b/f's and the purple tang and so far so good. But I know at anytime in the future, especially when I add more fish, that an outbreak of ich or other parasites could take out some fish or wipe out the whole tank.
<Your best bet at preventing the situation you describe is a quarantine tank. Anything else is playing Russian roulette.>
I have heard from most people that cleaner wrasse are by far the best at cleaning fish, but due to the fact that they don't readily eat food, they usually don't survive more than a few weeks.
<Yes, a terrible, unethical choice.>
I also saw on wetwebmedia that cleaner gobies are another option, mainly the neon (Gobiosoma oceanops) goby and that they are easy to take care of.
<A better choice, but the use of fish to clean fish parasites in the confines of an aquarium is really a bad idea. If you have an outbreak, guess what, the cleaner FISH gets the fish parasites, too. The cleaner shrimp are a far better choice because they are immune to Ich/Cryptocaryon.>
Also cleaner shrimp are supposed to perform parasite cleaning duties on fish as well.
<See above.>
But the people I have talked to say that cleaner wrasse do a MUCH better job of cleaning the fish than the shrimp do.
<They cannot clean very well when they are dead.>
Is this true? Does it really matter? Will the cleaner shrimp do a good enough job to keep the fish noticeably healthier than if it were not present in the tank?
<I would not rely on cleaner fish or shrimp. The QT is your best bet.>
How many cleaner shrimp should I (can I) keep in my 125g tank?
<Two would be nice because they would develop into a breeding pair and provide live food.>
Can I have 2 cleaners and a fire shrimp, will they get along and not kill each other?
<Yes, possible in this size tank. Neither have a reputation for being aggressive to other invertebrates.>
How good of a job do neon gobies do at cleaning the fish?
<Comparable to the shrimp, but again there are other problems with using a fish to battle fish parasites.>
Of the 3 in order which ones work the best at keeping the fish parasite free?
<The shrimp then the goby and I would never recommend a cleaner wrasse.>
And then my other question is in regard to compatibility of the fish I am planning on adding soon. I would like to add a gold rim tang (japonicus, not powder brown) and a sohal tang as the last two fish and would like your opinion on how it might work out, and what sizes of each would possibly work better. I definitely would add 3-4" specimens and add the sohal last as they can supposedly get really mean. I know they are both Acanthurus tangs, but they are of different shapes and coloration. What do you think the chances of the two getting along and living together if my 125g has enough LR for them?
<Pretty slim actually, I would recommend picking just one.>
Thank you once again for your time and expertise, it's always a pleasure to get a response from you. Ryan
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>

Cleaners
Dear Steven,
Thank you for your quick response. I have read Bob's article with much interest, but was hoping you may have more information to expand on the issues he raised.
In particular, references indicating the increasing trend in promoting cleaners as biological helpers in marine aquaria, or other articles
extolling the use of cleaner wrasse from a very biased view point e.g.
Michael Livadas's article in Aquaworld Magazine <http://www.aquaworldnet.com/awmag/> which is copied in many sites on the web.
If you can assist me in this I would be very grateful.
Yours sincerely, Steve
<Sorry, but I do not have any information like you are describing. I would only offer this, look up the few references at the end of Bob's article and try searching through the trade magazines (Tropical Fish Hobbyist, Freshwater And Marine Aquarium Magazine, Aquarium Fish, Practical Fishkeeping are all popular) and some of the other on-line sources like www.reefs.org and www.reefcentral.com. I have never heard of Michael Livada or Aquaworld Magazine. -Steven Pro>