[Ebook] Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish – Directory of Marine Fish – Wrasse

Directory of Marine Fish

Wrasse

Wrasse are lively, active fish found in most warm seas, though the majority come from tropical waters. They tend to be colorful, displaying elaborate patterning on their bodies. Their shape varies from elongated to deep and compressed, and there is a significant range in size among members of the group; some of the larger species are too big for the home aquarium. They are not hard to maintain, feeding readily, but even tame specimens can inflict a painful bite if offered food by hand. Their fanglike teeth are more usually applied to cracking into invertebrates, such as sea urchins, which form part of their natural diet.

Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis)

• ORIGINS: Northern stretches of the Red Sea; also reported in the waters around Sri Lanka.
• SIZE: 4 in (10 cm).
• DIET: Fresh and thawed marine foods; also algae.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Can be kept safely with other small fish.

Do not mix this wrasse species with invertebrates such as crustaceans, because it is likely to prey on them. In the wild, a solitary male, recognizable by the blue longitudinal stripes along its body and the prominent black spot at the top of the caudal peduncle, lives in association with a group of females. Fairy Wrasse stay close to the reef, rarely being observed swimming in open water. Nothing is known about their breeding habits.

Formosa Wrasse (Coris formosa)

• ORIGINS: From East Africa through the Indo-Pacific region, extending as far as Australia.
• SIZE: Up to 20 in (50 cm).
• DIET: Fresh and thawed marine foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Will prey on invertebrates.

Formosa Wrasse change dramatically as they mature. Juveniles are not dissimilar to some Clownfish in their coloration, being orange and white with black borders. Adult Formosa Wrasse have a predominantly green body dotted with dark spots, and blue stripes on the head. These wrasse bury themselves in the substrate of their aquarium and become solitary by nature as they grow older.

Clown Wrasse (Coris gaimard)

• ORIGINS: Extends from the Red Sea through much of the Pacific region, reaching Japan and Hawaii.
• SIZE: 16 in (40 cm).
• DIET: Meat-based foods, such as invertebrates.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Do not mix with small companions.

Young Clown and Formosa Wrasse are very similar, but a close examination of the Clown’s head shows that the black-bordered stripe does not extend below the top of the eye (as it does on the Formosa Wrasse), and the black spot is absent from the dorsal fin. Mature Clown Wrasse can be sexed by the green stripe above the male’s anal fin. There are also regional color differences; Pacific fish, for example, have a bright yellow caudal fin.

Bird Wrasse (Gomphosus varius)

• ORIGINS: Extends over a wide area, from East Africa across the Pacific Ocean as far as Hawaii.
• SIZE: 12 in (30 cm).
• DIET: Omnivorous, but prefers meat-based foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Not social with its own kind.

Male Bird Wrasse are greenish, while females are browner on the flanks with an orange stripe running from the snout to the eyes. The pronounced snout enables this wrasse to forage for food in crevices. The snout will not be apparent until the fish is about 4 in (10 cm) long. Up until this stage, the fish is small enough to swim directly into crevices on the reef in search of edible items swept there by the currents. It is best to obtain young fish, which will be more adaptable in their feeding habits. Older individuals will not forage for their food in the open, although they are likely to graze on algal growth in the aquarium.

Four-Spot Wrasse (Halichoeres trispilus)

• ORIGINS: Found in the vicinity of East Africa; replaced by a similar species (H. chrysus) farther east.
• SIZE: 4 in (10 cm).
• DIET: Prepared foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Very active; intolerant of their own kind.

The common name of this dwarf wrasse stems from the presence of three spots on the dorsal fin and another on the caudal peduncle, although it is not the only species with this type of patterning. In the most common coloration, the top half of the body is yellow, while the underparts are white. Dominant males, like the one shown below, are more brightly colored. Although small, Four Spots are still aggressive toward one another.

SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP

The interaction between the Blue Streak Cleaner Wrasse shown below (see p.268) and other reef fish is a good example of interspecies communication. The wrasse position themselves at particular areas on the reef, and other species come to be cleaned. The fish adopt different postures to indicate to the wrasse which parts of their bodies need grooming. The normal relationship between predator and prey is suspended, enabling the wrasse to venture into the jaws of some larger fish without the risk of being snapped up.

Spanish Hogfish (Bodianus rufus)

• ORIGINS: Found throughout the Caribbean region as far as Bermuda, and southward to Brazil.
• SIZE: 12 in (30 cm).
• DIET: Prefers to feed on invertebrates.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Males will quarrel with each other.

The striking coloration of the Spanish Hogfish is consistent between individuals, and the patterning of these fish does not alter significantly during their lives. The adults can be readily sexed, because the heads of males turn from blue to yellow when they mature. However, the depth of water in which these hogfish occur may affect their appearance; those found in deeper areas tend to be redder along their backs. They need a large aquarium, and must be kept with companions of a similar size. Take care when handling these fish, since they have razor-sharp teeth.

Harlequin Tuskfish (Lienardella fasciatus)

• ORIGINS: The Pacific region, close to Asia and Australia, where it is present on the Great Barrier Reef.
• SIZE: 10 in (25 cm).
• DIET: Meat-based foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Solitary by nature

In spite of its name, the Harlequin Tuskfish is a wrasse, albeit with a relatively broad body and distinctive blue teeth. The flexible jaws allow the teeth to protrude, when they resemble tusks. This enables the fish to turn over stones and grab invertebrates. The young display dark eye-spots on their pelvic, dorsal, and anal fins, which disappear as they mature. Tuskfish will burrow into the substrate, like other wrasse.

Lyretail Hogfish (Bodianus anthioides)

• ORIGINS: From the Red Sea eastward through much of the Pacific to Japan and New Caledonia.
• SIZE: 10 in (25 cm).
• DIET: Primarily invertebrates.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Do not mix with invertebrates.

These stunningly attractive wrasse undergo a progressive color change. In young fish, the area around the lips is white, and the front of the body is more orange than the red seen in adults. The black areas on the body become more evident as the fish age. The Lyretail Hogfish has an active nature and will spend long periods swimming around the tank. It will not burrow into the substrate, like some wrasse, but prefers to have a suitable area in among the rockwork of the aquarium where it can rest. Avoid mixing Lyretails with invertebrates such as crustaceans, which are their natural prey in the wild. Companion fish should be of a similar size, since Lyretail Hogfish are territorial. Unfortunately, it does not appear possible to sex these wrasse visually. Their reproductive behavior has not been documented to date.

Blue Streak Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus)

• ORIGINS: From the Red Sea through the Indo-Pacific to Japan and eastern Australia, extending to Oceania.
• SIZE: 4 in (10 cm).
• DIET: Marine flake and freeze-dried foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Can be kept together.

Like other cleaners, Blue Streaks naturally feed on the sides of other reef fish, removing parasites and eating mucus and loose skin. They must not be housed with delicate-skinned fish, since their attentions may cause damage, but they normally adapt readily to an alternative diet of prepared foods. Keep only one in the tank if other species are present; otherwise, the cleaners may harass the rest of the occupants. Pairs in good condition may spawn in the aquarium, but attempts to rear the fry almost always fail. At night, Blue Streak Wrasse retreat into dark crevices.

Four-Line Wrasse (Larabicus quadrilineatus)

• ORIGINS: The distribution of this particular wrasse appears to be restricted to the Red Sea.
• SIZE: 5 in (12.5 cm).
• DIET: Prepared diets, including thawed live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Adults more aggressive than young.

Known only since 1973, Four-Line Wrasse undergo a dramatic change in feeding habits as they mature. While young, they obtain food by cleaning other fish, but when they become adults, they switch to feeding on coral polyps. As a result, they are not a good choice for a reef aquarium, despite their small size. Males also change in color, losing the striped body patterning but developing a small angular blue stripe under the eye.

COLOR CHANGES

There is often such a difference in the color of young and adult wrasse that they look like separate species. The fish below is a juvenile Diana’s Hogfish (Bodianus diana), but when it matures, its body will turn red and it will lose the white spots. Males may also change color if their status alters. In each population, there is a dominant male—the largest and most brightly colored individual—plus a number of females and subordinate males. If the dominant male dies, one of the subordinate males will change color and assume the role.

Jansen’s Wrasse (Thalassoma jansenii)

• ORIGINS: From the Maldives eastward to Fiji, northward to Japan, and as far south as Australia’s east coast.
• SIZE: 7 in (18 cm).
• DIET: Krill, mussels, and similar foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Do not mix with other wrasse.

Jansen’s Wrasse is active by nature, so its tank should include plenty of open space for swimming, as well as suitable retreats where the fish can hide away, especially at night. It cannot be housed safely in a reef aquarium with invertebrates. Males can usually be recognized by their brighter coloration, particularly on the head. Good water quality, along with currents that mimic those of the reef, is important to ensure good health.

Saddle Wrasse (Thalassoma duperrey)

• ORIGINS: Found in the Pacific Ocean in the vicinity of the Hawaiian islands, where it is very common.
• SIZE: 12 in (30 cm).
• DIET: Various crustacean-based foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Becomes more territorial with age.

As the Saddle Wrasse becomes older, it develops the characteristic light band of color behind the head. This varies from orange to yellow, depending on the individual. Dominant males display the brightest coloration. Young fish have a dark upper body, with paler underparts. Saddle Wrasse have good appetites and grow rapidly, so the aquarium’s filtration system must be highly efficient. Saddle Wrasse should generally be housed individually

Six-Bar Wrasse (Thalassoma hardwicke)

• ORIGINS: From East Africa to Japan, southward to Australia, and extending as far as Tuamotu in Oceania.
• SIZE: 8 in (20 cm).
• DIET: Will eat prepared foods, even marine flake.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Territorial.

As with other Thalassoma wrasse, the Six-Bar needs a sandy base to its aquarium so that it can burrow, but it will also colonize rocky retreats. The feeding habits of Six-Bars are such that they cannot be trusted with invertebrates. They are very lively, so choose tankmates with a similar nature. Avoid slow swimmers, opting instead for active fish such as tangs or even triggerfish.

Six-Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia)

• ORIGINS: The Red Sea eastward through the Indo-Pacific to Oceania. Extends to Japan and Australia’s east coast.
• SIZE: 4 in (10 cm).
• DIET: Eats a variety of prepared foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Relatively shy

This colorful wrasse can be distinguished from other similar species by a black spot on the caudal peduncle and six pairs of alternating blue and yellow horizontal body stripes. Six-Line Wrasse will eat a variety of foods, but they initially prefer thawed items, such as lobster eggs, to marine flake. Encourage the fish to sample as wide a range of food items as possible. Only youngsters will get along well together in the same surroundings.

Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus)

• ORIGINS: Extends from the Red Sea across the Pacific Ocean to the coast of Panama.
• SIZE: 10 in (25 cm).
• DIET: Small pieces of meat-based foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Adults are territorial.

As Dragon Wrasse mature, they lose the rays at the front of the dorsal fin, and the body also becomes less colorful as its greenish hue disappears. These fish excavate the substrate in search of edible items and may burrow into the sand to avoid danger. They grow more territorial with age, so keep them with nonaggressive fish that attain a similar size. Dragon Wrasse will devour any invertebrates in their tank.

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