16-Bird Wrasse
Gomphosus varius
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 11"
Color Form: Black, Green, Tan
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Hawaii, Tonga, Vanuatu
Family: Labridae
The most unique aspect about the Bird Wrasse is its elongated beak which is used to catch long, skinny prey and hold it captive while breaking it up into bite-size pieces. The female is brownish black, and the male is variations of green. For this reason the male is often called the Green Bird Wrasse, and the female, the Black or Brown Bird Wrasse.
A 125 gallon or larger aquarium with large amounts of live rock which furnish food and hiding places provides a good environment. Because the Bird Wrasse is a "jumper," a tight-fitting lid on the tank is necessary. If a pair of Bird Wrasse are to be included in a tank, the female should be introduced first.
The Bird Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 6" XLarge: 6" to 7"
17-Yellowchest Twist Wrasse
Anampses twistii
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 7"
Color Form: Blue, Purple, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji
Family: Labridae
The Yellowchest Twist Wrasse from Fiji is a moderately sized wrasse that is beautifully colored. They have an elongated body with a dorsal and anal fin that extends almost the entire length of the fish. Towards the rear of both of these fins is a large deep blue eyespot that helps in protecting the fish as a juvenile. They are primarily dark blue to purple in coloration with many vibrant bright blue dots. The bottom front half of the fish is bright yellow or gold in coloration which lends to its common name.
The Yellowchest Twist Wrasse requires a 70 gallon or larger aquarium with a sandy bottom into which it will burrow to sleep, or if it is threatened. Do not attempt to keep the Yellowchest Twist Wrasse with a crushed coral or similar substrate as they have a poor survival rate on such substrates. The ideal aquarium will also have plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging for food. They may be kept in numbers as juveniles, but may turn aggressive towards each other when fully grown. They should not be kept with invertebrates as they will pick at fanworms, ornamental crustaceans, and tridacnid clams.
The Yellowchest Twist Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: 2-1/2" to 3-1/2"
18-Dragon Wrasse
Novaculichthys taeniourus
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Blue, Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Hawaii
Family: Labridae
The Dragon Wrasse is also referred to as the Rockmover Wrasse. The juvenile has a burgundy body with white markings. The fins are also notable in their appearance, especially the first two dorsal spines that form a "cow-lick." The adult does not have the large dorsal spines and has a light-blue to green body with impressive darker markings.
It should reside in a 125 gallon or larger aquarium with a 2-4 inch sandy bottom in which it can submerge itself since it sleeps in the sand. It may be kept with fish that are aggressive or larger than it is, but should be housed with more passive fish as a juvenile, house only one per tank. It should not be placed in a reef aquarium. As the Dragon Wrasse matures it will eat crustaceans, snails, shrimp, starfish, smaller fish, worms, and other invertebrates. It also moves the corals and rearranges the rocks in the aquarium to find food. The aquarium should also have a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from jumping out.
The Dragon Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 6"
Adult
Juvenile
19-Hardwicke Wrasse
Thalassoma hardwicke
Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: Black, Blue, Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji
Family: Labridae
The Hardwicke Wrasse is also known as the Sixbar Wrasse or Hardwick's Wrasse. As an adult, it has a pastel blue body with six, vertical dark body stripes and a distinct "daisy" print around the eyes made of a few different pastel colors.
It should reside in a 90gallon or larger aquarium with larger, aggressive tank mates, and plenty of rocks for hiding. It will become territorial and harass any new additions to the community, therefore, it should be added last to the aquarium. It may be kept with a mate if the aquarium is 125 gallons or larger. It may eat mantis shrimp and bristleworms. It does not eat corals or live plants.
Its natural diet consists of fish, crustaceans, motile invertebrates, and worms. The diet in an aquarium, should include a variety of feeder shrimp, marine flesh, frozen meaty preparations for carnivores, and flaked foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-3/4" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 6"
20-Pinkface Wrasse
Thalassoma quinquevittatum
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 7"
Color Form: Blue, Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Labridae
The Pinkface Wrasse is also known as the Five Stripe Wrasse. This species will add bright coloration and movement to the aquarium making this species a great addition for the novice or expert alike. Pinkface wrasse can be recognized by their bright green and yellow body with several thick pink stripes from its mouth to just behind the eyes.
This hardy fish should reside in a 70 gallon or larger aquarium, with other aggressive tank mates, and plenty of rocks for hiding. It will become territorial and often harass any new additions to the aquarium, therefore, it should be one of the last fish added to the tank. This species has been known to eat mantis shrimp and bristleworms as well as other crustaceans, but will normally not eat corals or live plants.
The Pinkface Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 2" to 3", Medium 3" to 5", Large 5" to 6"
21-Neon Wrasse
Halichoeres garnoti
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 7"
Color Form: Black, Blue, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean, Western Atlantic
Family: Labridae
The Neon Wrasse, also known as the Yellowhead Wrasse, is one of the easiest wrasses to identify in every color phase. Adults have a golden to yellow head, a black vertical bar behind the tip of the pectoral fin, merging with a broad black area on the upper side, continuing to the top of the caudal peduncle and upper caudal fin and blue underneath. Juveniles are yellow with a turquoise-blue stripe along their sides.
A 75 gallon or larger aquarium is required for the Neon Wrasse. They are peaceful to other fish, but are territorial, bordering on aggressive with conspecifics, so it is best to keep one per tank. They require plenty of swimming room, and excellent water conditions.
The Neon Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4" Medium: 2-1/4" to 3 1/2" Large 3-1/2" to 5"
22-Goldbar Wrasse
Thalassoma hebraicum
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Blue, Gold, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Africa
Family: Labridae
The Goldbar Wrasse is aptly named for the subdued golden bar that divides its body from its head. Its olive-gold head, veined in contrasting brilliant blue, makes this member of the Labridae family a prized addition to almost any home marine aquarium. The Goldbar Wrasse has an appealing purple-hazed, bluish body that adds visual interest as this active fish swims amongst live rock.
Native to the African coasts, the Goldbar Wrasse thrives in swallow lagoons and seaward reefs in relatively shallow to moderately deep water. In the home aquarium, the Goldbar Wrasse fares equally as well in larger systems of 125 gallons or more with a variety of rock work amongst which they can swim, hide, and forage for food.
Care needs to be taken, however, to house Thalassoma hebraicum with fish of equal temperament. Though most will not attack coral or live plants, many will become territorial and may harass new additions to your aquarium. To help prevent this, the Goldbar Wrasse should be one of the last fish to be added to your system.
The Goldbar Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Male: Small: 2" to 3", Medium: 3" to 5", Large: 5" to 7" Female/SubAdult: Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4"; XLarge: 4" to 5"
23-Blunthead Wrasse
Thalassoma amblycephalum
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Maldives
Family: Labridae
The Blunthead Wrasse is a beautiful, multicolored wrasse easily identified by its distinct head shape. Unlike most wrasses, the Blunthead Wrasse has a conspicuously rounded or blunted head that is accentuated by its sleek, rod-shaped body. Similar to many wrasse species, the Blunthead Wrasse demonstrates dramatic color variation within individuals based on gender and age.
The Blunthead Wrasse, also known as the Rainbow Wrasse, transforms from a rather non-descript fish to a striking fish demonstrating a vivid progression of lively colors. Initial phase male and female Blunthead Wrasses are nearly indistinguishable. A brownish-black stripe with uneven edges bisects the entire length of the body. A similar dark stripe running parallel along the dorsal region and a flash of orange at the peduncle further break up the primary white coloration of both initial phase male and female Blunthead Wrasses. As an adult, the male Blunthead Wrasses blossoms with vibrant coloration. The anterior region develops a beautiful blue-green coloration that transitions to a brilliant yellow. A gorgeous red body completes the rainbow effect.
The Blunthead Wrasse should be housed in a 75 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and asandy substrate that may be used for burrowing into at night. In addition to ample hiding places, a large open area is required for the active and fast-swimming Blunthead Wrasse. In large aquariums, several initial phase and juvenile Blunthead Wrasse may be housed together in relative peace. However, as adults, the Blunthead Wrasse demonstrates greater aggression and is best kept singularly in a FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) aquarium with gregarious tankmates.
The Bluehead Wrasse is a carnivore whose natural diet consists of zooplankton including crustacean larvae. As such, the Blunthead Wrasse diet should include vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high-quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small (Juvenile): 1-1/2" to 3"; Medium (Subadult): 3" to 4"; Large (Male): 4" to 5"
Juvenile
Medium
Large
24-Red Breast Wrasse
Cheilinus fasciatus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 4"
Color Form: Brown, Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Labridae
This hard-to-find Red-Breast Wrasse, also known as the Redbreasted Maori Wrasse, is sure to drop jaws the next time your reefer friends stop by. While its size alone is more than impressive, the Red Breast Wrasse boasts six or seven white vertical stripes against a reddish-brown body, with a splendid yellow-orange pop of color surrounding the pectoral fin.
While the Red Breast Wrasse can grow rather large, they are generally a shy species and should only be housed in an appropriately large aquarium with other non-aggressive fishes to avoid being bullied. They are known to move sand around in search of food and will eat hard shell inverts and sometimes small fish.
The Red-Breast Wrasse is commonly found roaming alone in lagoons and inner reefs, along reef edges and rubble piles, and can often be seen resting on the sea bed. Feed a prepared plankton diet to mimic their common natural diet.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 5"; Large: 5" to 7"
25-Black-backed Wrasse
Anampses neoguinaicus
Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Australia, Fiji, Vanuatu
Family: Labridae
26-Red-Lined Wrasse
Halichoeres biocellatus
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Black, Green, Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, New Caledonia
Family: Labridae
The Black-backed Wrasse is a moderately-sized wrasse that is striking in its simplicity. The Black-backed Wrasse has an elongated body with dorsal and anal fins that extend almost the entire length of the fish. Towards the rear of both of these fins is a large deep blue eyespot that helps in protecting the fish as a juvenile. They are primarily white in coloration with many vibrant bright blue dots. The top front half of the fish is bluish-black in coloration, which lends to its common name.
The Black-backed Wrasse requires a 120 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging for food, though they do not require a sand bed. They may be kept in numbers as juveniles, but may turn aggressive towards each other when fully grown. They should not be kept with invertebrates as they will pick at fanworms, ornamental crustaceans, and tridacnid clams.
The Black-backed Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Male (Small): 2-3/4" to 3-1/2"; Male (Medium): 3-1/2" to 4-1/2"; Male (Large): 4-1/2" to 6"; Sub Adult (Small): 1-1/2" to 2"; Sub Adult (Medium): 2" to 2-1/2"; Sub Adult (Large): 2-1/2" to 3"
Bold, beautiful, and brimming with personality, the elegantly-striped Red-Lined Wrasse makes the perfect addition to your showcase reef aquarium. Also known in the hobby as the False-eyed or Biocellate Wrasse, juvenileHalichoeres biocellatus and sub adults are easily identifiable by a pair of ocelli on the dorsal fin which disappear with growth.
In the home aquarium, try to replicate seaward reefs of mixed coral and reef rock with sand patches. The Red-Lined Wrasse also prefers to inhabit reef crests and slopes on rocky or rubble-algae substrates. A 50 gallon or larger aquarium with a tight-fitting lid and a 2-3 inch sandy bottom to hide under if frightened makes an ideal environment. Stock with other peaceful wrasses, including other Halichoeres biocellatus.
The Red-Lined Wrasse will eat fireworms and pyramidellid snails; protecting corals and clams. In addition, it may eat feather dusters, wild shrimp, tubeworms, and flatworms. It may also eat parasites off of tank mates. The Red-lined Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods. These fish should be offered small quantities of food several times per day.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1 1/4" to 2" Medium 2" to 3" Large 3" to 4"
27-Two Spot Wrasse
Cheilinus bimaculatus
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Green, Red, Silver
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Maldives, Vanuatu
Family: Labridae
Female
Male
The Two Spot Wrasse is one of the smallest members of a group of ornate wrasses commonly referred to as Maori Wrasses (Genus Cheilinus and Oxycheilinus). The intricate facial markings of the Two Spot Wrasse and other Maori Wrasses are said to resemble the artistic facial tattoo of the Maori people of New Zealand.
True to its namesake, the Two Spot Wrasse is beautifully adorned with striking facial markings punctuated by two, dark spots. Gorgeous tomato-red coloration crackles vibrantly across the face of the Two Spot Wrasse and continues all the way to the caudal fin to create an exotic network of color and pattern.
Typical of many wrasses the Two Spot Wrasse demonstrates sexual dimorphism. The male Two Spot Wrasse sports a rhomboid caudal fin, often with a single elongate filament that extends from the top. In contrast, the female Two Spot Wrasse has a round tail and no filament. This festive wrasse is sure to make a colorful addition to the fish-only marine or Fish-Only-With-Live Rock aquarium.
The Two Spot Wrasse inhabits the outer reef slopes and deep lagoons among rubble and algae. To best replicate this environment, the ideal setup for the Two Spot Wrasse will be a well-established saltwater aquarium of at least 75 gallons in size aquascaped with live rock. Incorporate a large area of open substrate as well as open spaces for swimming.
The Two Spot Wrasse is a curious fish of contrasting colorations and behavior. The shy and sensitive Two Spot Wrasse becomes a hardy and gregarious fish once it is fully acclimated to its new environment. It is important to maintain a stress-free environment during the initial introductory period. Therefore, house the Two Spot Wrasse with other peaceful species. As the established fish matures, it may demonstrate aggressive territorial behavior towards similar-sized fish. Generally, only one Two Spot Wrasse is recommended per aquarium.
The Two Spot Wrasse will eat fireworms, pyramidellid snails as well as feather dusters, very small wild shrimp, crabs, tubeworms, and flatworms. The diet of the Two Spot Wrasse should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp, enrichedclam and mussel meat and other meaty foods. The Two Spot Wrasse should be offered small quantities of food several times per day.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3-1/4"; Large 3-1/4" to 4-1/2"
28-Dusky Wrasse
Halichoeres annularis
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025, KH 8-12
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia
Family: Labridae
The Dusky Wrasse is a relative unknown beauty due to its sporadic appearance in the aquarium trade. The Dusky Wrasse typifies members in the Genus Halichoeresdemonstrating gregarious activity once properly acclimated to its new environment. Similarly, coloration varies greatly based on the age and sex of the Dusky Wrasse. Juveniles and females demonstrate muted coloration that contrasts sharply against the magnificence of a male-sporting mating coloration.
The adult male Dusky Wrasse is a true "peacock" sporting a rainbow of colors that peer through a predominantly dusky blue coloration. Jewel-like red and orange coloration sets off the stunning green crescent-pattern at the base of the caudal fin. A sunny yellow undertone brightens the anterior half of the male Dusky Wrasse to dramatic effect.
The ideal setup for the Dusky Wrasse will be a well-established saltwater aquarium of at least 75 gallons in size aquascaped with live rock. Incorporate a large area of open substrate as well as open spaces for swimming. A sandy bottom 2-3 inches in depth provides refuge for the Dusky Wrasse to burrow in the evening or when frightened. House the Dusky Wrasse with other peaceful wrasses, including its own species. The Dusky Wrasse will eat fireworms and pyramidellid snails, protecting corals and clams. In addition, the Dusky Wrasse also may eat feather dusters, very small wild shrimp, tubeworms, and flatworms. It may also eat parasites off of tank mates.
The diet of the Dusky Wrasse should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp and vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp. These fish need small frequent feeding throughout the day.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4-1/2".
29- Two Tone Wrasse
Halichoeres prosopeion
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy - Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Blue, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji
Family: Labridae
Ranging from hypnotic indigo to sunset golden yellow, the rarely-seen Two Tone Wrasse is ready to take your showcase reef aquarium to a whole new level. Hardy, well-adapted, disease-resistant and easy to get along with, this brilliantly colored wrasse makes an easy addition for even beginning hobbyists.
A 70-gallon or larger aquarium with a sealed lid, a 2-3 inch sandy bottom to hide under when frightened, and other peaceful wrasses, including its own species, provides a good environment. It will eat fireworms and pyramidellid snails, protecting corals and clams. The Two Tone Wrasse is safe with stony and soft corals but may prey on feather dusters, small shrimp, tubeworms, and flatworms. It may also eat parasites off of tank mates when young.
The Two Tone Wrasse diet should include vitamin enrichedfrozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4"
30-Richmond's Wrasse
Halichoeres richmondi
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 7½"
Color Form: Blue, Green, Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Vanuatu
Family: Labridae
The Richmond's Wrasse is a real showstopper! With brilliant coloration, two false eyes when young, and tons of personality, Richmond's Wrasse will create quite the buzz when you post pics of this beauty online. The Richmond's Wrasse has distinct chain-like lines along its sides, with females also exhibiting orange and yellow toward the anal fin.
A 70 gallon or larger aquarium with a sealed lid, a 2-3 inch sandy bottom to hide under when frightened, and other peaceful wrasses, including its own species, provides a good environment. It will eat fireworms and pyramidellid snails, protecting corals and clams. In addition, it may eat feather dusters, very small wild shrimp, tubeworms, and flatworms. It may also eat parasites off of tank mates.
Richmond's Wrasse diet should include vitamin enrichedfrozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile/Female: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Subadult: 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"; Male: 3-1/2" to 4-3/4"
31-Sea Grass Wrasse
Novaculichthys macrolepidotus
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Black, Brown, Green, Red
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Labridae
Female
Male
Sea Grass Wrasse, sometimes known as the Emerald Wrasse, is a helpful pest controller with big personality and abundant beauty. Often seen in shades of light to dark green, brownish-red to even black, the Sea Grass Wrasse's blade-like body allows it to disappear into the sea grass beds and sandy algal flats of lagoons and mangrove channels it calls home. They're even known to swim like free-floating, swaying algae in order to camouflage themselves from predators.
If you're looking for a natural way to control flatworms, pyramid snails, montipora eating nudibranches, and more, the mild-mannered Sea Grass Wrasse has the crushing teeth and carnivorous appetite for the task. The Sea Grass Wrasse diet should also include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods.
The Sea Grass Wrasse should reside in a 70 gallon or larger aquarium with a 2-4 inch sandy bottom in which it can submerge itself since it sleeps in the sand. It may be kept with fish that are aggressive or larger than it is, but should be housed with more passive fish as a juvenile. The aquarium should also have a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from jumping out.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1-1/2" to 2"; Medium 2" to 3"; Large 3" to 4-1/2"
