Labroides phthirophagus Randall, 1958
Hawaiian cleaner wrasse
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/D. Terver

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses)
Max. size:  12 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 90 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Hawaiian Islands (Ref. 583) and Johnston Islands (Ref. 28618).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Found in most coral reef habitats except in the surge zone (Ref. 9710). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Obligate cleaner (Ref. 9710), picks parasitic crustaceans from other fishes. Monogamous (Ref. 52884). Swims with a dancing-flitting motion. It spends the night resting in a balloon-like mucous cocoon.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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