The Julii Cleaner Wrasse or Yellowtail Tubelip, also known as Diproctacanthus xanthurus, is a beautiful fish species found in shallow lagoons and sheltered seaward reefs. These striped fish are easy to keep in a Fish-Only aquarium with medium-sized species, but it's essential to provide ample space as they are active swimmers. This fish exhibits mutualistic behavior as juveniles by acting as cleaners for small territorial species, but this ceases as they mature and become corallivorous, feeding exclusively on coral polyps. They have a thick, fleshy lip that forms a short tube when their mouth is closed, giving them their common name "tubelip." The fish are best suited for a tank with plenty of rockwork, a sandy substrate, and clean, well-oxygenated water that incorporates areas of fast water flow.

Julii Cleaner Wrasse Care Guide

The Julii Cleaner Wrasse (Diproctacanthus xanthurus), also known as the Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse, is a fascinating addition to any saltwater marine aquarium. Its vibrant colors and exciting behavior can bring life and activity to your tank. Below is a comprehensive guide covering various aspects of keeping the Julii Cleaner Wrasse captive.

Habitat of Julii Cleaner Wrasse

The Julii Cleaner Wrasse (Diproctacanthus xanthurus), also known as the Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse, is native to the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, preferring areas with rich coral growth and ample hiding places.

Reef Compatibility of the Julii Cleaner Wrasse

The Julii Cleaner Wrasse is not a  reef-safe and can pose a threat to corals or other invertebrates. Caution should be exercised if housing them with small ornamental shrimp or other delicate invertebrates, as they will become prey.

Size and Lifespan of the of the Julii Cleaner Wrasse

In captivity, Julii Cleaner Wrasses typically grow up to 4 inches in length and can live for 5 to 7 years or even longer with proper care.

Diet of the of the Julii Cleaner Wrasse in Captivity

Julii Cleaner Wrasses are primarily carnivorous and feed on parasites and dead tissue from other fish, contributing to the health of the tank ecosystem. In captivity, they should be offered a varied diet that includes high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Aquaculture Availability of the of the Julii Cleaner Wrasse

While Julii Cleaner Wrasses are occasionally available through aquaculture, they are more commonly sourced from wild populations. Efforts to sustainably breed them in captivity are ongoing, with some success.

Compatibility of the Julii Cleaner Wrasse With Other Fish and Invertebrates

Julii Cleaner Wrasses are generally peaceful and can be kept with various tank mates, including Clownfish, Royal Gramma, Firefish, Banggai Cardinalfish, and Blue-Green Chromis. However, they may exhibit territorial behavior towards other wrasses or similarly-shaped species.

Sexual Dimorphism of the of the Julii Cleaner Wrasse

Juvenile Julii Cleaner Wrasses exhibit a more subdued coloration than adults, with colors becoming more vibrant as they mature. Males may also develop elongated dorsal and anal fins.

Tank Requirements for Julii Cleaner Wrasse

Minimum Aquarium Size: A tank of at least 50 gallons is recommended for housing a single Julii Cleaner Wrasse to provide space and a diversity of tank mates.
Water Conditions: Maintain stable water parameters with a pH of 8.1-8.4, salinity between 1.020-1.025, water temperature of 72-78°F, and moderate to high water flow to mimic their natural habitat.

Other Common Names of the Julii Cleaner Wrasse

In addition to Julii Cleaner Wrasse and Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse, this species may also be called the Yellowtail Coris or Julii Wrasse.

Compatible Tank Mates for the Julii Cleaner Wrasse

• Clownfish (e.g., Ocellaris Clownfish)
• Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)
• Firefish (Nemateleotris spp.)
• Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)
• Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani)

Why Choose Saltwaterfish.com

Saltwaterfish.com offers a wide selection of healthy and responsibly sourced marine fish, including the Julii Cleaner Wrasse. With their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, you can trust that you're getting a top-notch specimen for your aquarium. Additionally, their knowledgeable staff can provide assistance and guidance to ensure a successful aquarium experience.

In conclusion, the Julii Cleaner Wrasse is an attractive and beneficial addition to a saltwater aquarium. With proper care and suitable tank mates, it can thrive and contribute to your aquatic environment's overall health and balance.