Overview
Cleaner Fish is a freshwater fish species in Starsand Island. True to its name, this small fish is known for feeding on parasites that attach to larger fish, fulfilling a symbiotic role in the island's lake ecosystems. It can be found in any lake zone and is available across two seasons, making it a fairly accessible catch for anglers of all skill levels. Processing it at the Separator yields Fish Fillet, a staple ingredient in many cooking recipes.
Catch Details
Property | Value |
|---|---|
Zone | Lake |
Season | Spring, Winter |
Weather | Any |
Time of Day | 08:00 to 24:00 |
Bait | |
Sell Price | 65g |
Fish Pond Oxygen | 1 |
Where to Catch
Cleaner Fish appear at any lake fishing spot on the island. Cloudrest Lake near Hopeland is one of the most convenient locations, with the pier on its south side offering easy access. Any standard lake node will do, so if you have unlocked the Cloudrest Lake property, you can cast directly from your land without needing to travel far.
Because the weather requirement is listed as "Any," you do not need to wait for specific weather conditions. As long as it is spring or winter and the in-game clock reads between 08:00 and midnight, this fish can appear on the line.
Bait and Fishing Tips
Cleaner Fish respond to both Bug Bait and Veggie Bait. Both bait types can be crafted at the Chopper station using the blueprint available from the AquaBlue Outpost. Since this fish accepts two bait types and has no weather restriction, it is one of the simpler lake catches. A basic Fishing Rod is sufficient to reel it in without much trouble.
Tip: If you are working on your Islandpedia stamp completion during spring, pair your Cleaner Fish runs with other spring lake species to fill multiple entries per trip.
Tip: The wide time window (08:00 to midnight) means you can fit Cleaner Fish into almost any daily routine without adjusting your schedule.
Uses
Cooking: Process at the Separator to obtain Fish Fillet, which is used in recipes like Steamed Fish, Grilled Fish, Sashimi, and Shrimp and Fish Porridge.
Selling: Sells for 65g at standard shops. For a better return, hold it for Bulletin Board requests or sell to the Merchant Ship, which pays roughly double the base value.
Gifting: Some NPCs appreciate fish as gifts. Grilled Fish made from Fish Fillet has an 85% universal "liked" rate across villagers.
Fish Pond: Place in a Fish Pond for display and breeding. Its oxygen requirement of 1 makes it very easy to house alongside other species.
Islandpedia: Catching a Cleaner Fish for the first time contributes to your Islandpedia stamp completion.