Overview
- Found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to the Central Pacific.
- Recognized for its elongated, beak-like snout, which it uses to probe for food.
- Sexually dimorphic, with males displaying a vibrant green hue and females appearing brown or black.
- Highly active swimmer, constantly on the move in search of food.
- Requires ample space due to its fast-paced and energetic nature.
Feeding
- Carnivorous diet, feeding on small crustaceans, worms, and benthic invertebrates.
- Readily consumes live and frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood.
- May eat small ornamental shrimp and crabs in reef tanks.
- Requires multiple feedings per day to maintain its high energy levels.
- Supplementing with high-quality pellets and flake food ensures balanced nutrition.
Habitat
- Typically found in coral reef environments, lagoons, and rocky coastlines.
- Prefers areas with abundant hiding spaces and open swimming room.
- Thrives in aquariums with live rock structures and moderate water movement.
- Best kept in large tanks (125 gallons [473 L] or more) to accommodate its activity level.
- Adapts well to captivity but requires a secure lid to prevent jumping.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C).
- Ideal pH range: 8.1–8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.025–1.026 (about 33–35 ppt).
- Needs high water quality and strong filtration due to its active nature.
- Not suitable for small or nano aquariums due to its size and swimming habits.
- Regular water changes and stable conditions are essential for its health.
Compatibility
- Can be aggressive towards smaller, more timid tank mates.
- Best kept with other semi-aggressive or robust fish such as tangs, triggers, and large wrasses.
- Not suitable for reef tanks with small invertebrates, as it may prey on shrimp and crabs.
- May show territorial behavior, especially in smaller tanks.
- Does best in a spacious community setup with similarly sized fish.
Aquarium Behavior
- Constantly active, exploring every inch of the tank.
- Often seen darting between rocks and crevices in search of food.
- Can become dominant in the tank, particularly if not provided with enough space.
- Has a curious nature and interacts frequently with its environment.
- Thrives in tanks that offer both open swimming areas and hiding spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the Bird Wrasse?
It has a long, beak-like snout, which it uses to pull small prey out of the reef. Males are green and often called the Green Bird Wrasse. Females are brownish black.
How big does a Bird Wrasse get?
Plan for about 12 in (30 cm).
What size tank does a Bird Wrasse need?
At least 125 gallons (473 L), with lots of live rock for food and shelter and plenty of open swimming space. It is a fast, constant swimmer.
What does a Bird Wrasse eat?
It is a carnivore. In the wild it eats mostly small crustaceans, sometimes small fish, brittle stars and mollusks. Feed enriched mysis, brine shrimp and other meaty foods, plus marine flakes and pellets.
Is the Bird Wrasse reef safe?
With caution. It leaves corals alone, but it will eat small shrimp, crabs, snails, worms and other invertebrates, and possibly very small fish.
Is the Bird Wrasse aggressive?
It is semi-aggressive and can bully smaller, peaceful fish. Keep it with fish of a similar size and temperament.
Does a Bird Wrasse jump?
Yes, it is a known jumper, so the tank needs a tight-fitting lid.
Can I keep a pair of Bird Wrasses?
Yes, in a large tank. Add the female first, then the male.
Does the Bird Wrasse live alone in the wild?
Yes. It is a solitary species, which is one reason a single fish, or a carefully added pair, works best in the tank.
Where does the Bird Wrasse come from?
It is found across the Indo-Pacific, in coral-rich lagoons and seaward reefs to about 100 ft (30 m).