Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: No

General Description: The Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse, also known as the Julii Cleaner Wrasse and Yellowtail Tubelip Wrasse, is found across the Indo-Pacific. While ‘Cleaner’ is in its name, the Yellowtail cleaner wrasse is not a true cleaner wrasse. As juveniles, they will exhibit the mutualistic behavior of cleaning other fish however this ceases as they begin to mature and grow. The Yellowtail cleaner wrasse true nature is corallivorous, meaning that they strictly feed on coral polyps. Because of this, a Yellowtail cleaner wrasse is not recommended for the reef aquarium. These fish are not fussy about accepting prepared frozen foods of all kinds, making them a fish that can be kept with success despite their natural diet of coral polyps in the wild. Adult Yellowtail cleaner wrasses have a pearly-white base color with a dark horizontal black stripe through the middle of the body and a bright yellow tail. Making a great and active addition into a fish only with live rock aquarium (FOWLR), a Yellowtail cleaner wrasse can reach a size of approximately 4″.

Diet Requirements: A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, pieces of mussel or clam, and other mixed frozen foods that contain algae, such as spirulina, will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as wrasses tend to have very high metabolisms. A Yellowtail cleaner wrasse may also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety.

Care Requirements: An established, minimum 75 gallon aquarium is needed for a Yellowtail cleaner wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because this wrasse might jump out of an aquarium. Yellowtail cleaner wrasses enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to swim through and around, but make sure to leave some open swimming space. The aquarium should have good water movement and ample oxygen. Multiple Yellowtail cleaner wrasses can be kept together, but all individuals should be added into the aquarium at the same time for the best chance of success in getting along. Keep a Yellowtail cleaner wrasse with species that match its energetic disposition such as certain triggerfish, angelfish, and tangs. Compatability with other wrasses is unknown, but likely can work in a large enough aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 2″ or less; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3″; Large: 3-1/4″ to 4″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.