Overview
- Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found in coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and seagrass beds.
- Recognized for its distinct color pattern, which varies with age: juveniles display a bright yellow and black pattern, while adults develop a more muted brownish-green coloration.
- A large and powerful wrasse, capable of reaching up to 20 inches (50 cm) in length.
- Active forager, constantly exploring the substrate for hidden prey.
- Can be an effective cleaner fish in the wild, removing parasites from larger reef species.
Feeding
- Carnivorous diet, primarily feeding on small crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms.
- Readily accepts frozen and live foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine worms.
- Can be trained to eat high-quality marine pellets and flake foods, but benefits from a varied diet.
- Requires multiple feedings per day to support its high energy levels and rapid growth.
- Frequently hunts by overturning small rocks and stirring up sand to uncover hidden prey.
Habitat
- Commonly found in shallow coastal reefs and sandy seabeds with scattered rock formations.
- Requires an aquarium with ample swimming space and a soft sand substrate for natural foraging behavior.
- Best suited for tanks with live rock, allowing it to establish territory and shelter.
- Moderate to strong water flow is ideal to mimic natural reef conditions.
- A minimum tank size of 180 gallons is recommended due to its large size and active nature.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C).
- Ideal pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.023-1.026.
- Requires stable water parameters and consistent tank maintenance.
- Can be aggressive toward smaller fish, especially as it matures.
- Regular sandbed maintenance is necessary, as it frequently disturbs the substrate while foraging.
Compatibility
- Semi-aggressive and best suited for tanks with similarly sized or larger fish.
- Compatible with larger tangs, triggers, groupers, and other robust reef fish.
- Should not be housed with small ornamental shrimp, snails, or delicate invertebrates, as it may consume them.
- May show territorial behavior towards other wrasses of similar size.
- Best kept in a well-structured aquarium where it has ample space to establish its own territory.
Aquarium Behavior
- Highly active swimmer, constantly foraging and exploring its surroundings.
- Frequently seen overturning small rocks and stirring up sand in search of food.
- Can display aggressive tendencies if housed with smaller, more timid fish.
- Juveniles exhibit a cleaner fish behavior, though this diminishes with age.
- Thrives in a spacious, well-maintained reef tank with adequate hiding spots and room to roam.