| Care Level | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Parasite Control |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 4 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
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Every order ships with our standard 3-hour live arrival guarantee. Need more time? Add our 5-Day Guarantee at checkout.
Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
The Julii Cleaner Wrasse (also seen as Yellowtail Tubelip or Wandering Wrasse) is known for making quick “inspection passes” on other fish, picking at small surface irritants as it moves through the tank. Juveniles show bold dark-and-light striping, and as they mature the tail becomes more distinctly yellow.
What You’ll Observe:
- Active, roaming swimming that loops through open water and along rockwork
- Short pauses near ledges, then quick darts to a new “route” around the tank
- Interest in larger fish that hold still for brief cleaning-style interactions
- A noticeable shift in patterning and coloration as it grows
Provide a mature, stable aquarium with open swim lanes and plenty of rock structure to cruise around and tuck into between laps. Offer frequent, small portions of mixed meaty foods (fine chopped seafood, mysis, and quality pellets) so it can stay engaged at feeding time. Does best in a calm community where tankmates allow it space to move and feed confidently.
Why is this fish sold under so many different names?
“Julii Cleaner Wrasse,” “Yellowtail Tubelip,” and “Wandering Wrasse” are commonly used for the same fish in the trade, so it’s normal to see multiple labels for Diproctacanthus xanthurus.
Will it keep cleaning other fish once it settles in?
Many hobbyists observe the most consistent cleaning-style behavior in smaller specimens, with interactions changing as the fish matures.
How can you encourage it to recognize frozen foods as “real” food?
Keep portions small and feed in a consistent spot; repeated exposure to finely chopped items (like mysis and seafood blends) helps it key in on prepared foods.
How do you tell if it’s still in the juvenile look?
Juveniles typically show stronger, higher-contrast striping; as the fish transitions, the overall look softens and the yellow tail becomes more obvious.
Does it need a “cleaning station” area in the aquascape?
It often chooses a preferred loop or perch on its own, so a few open ledges and landing spots near rockwork usually give it what it needs.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
