Wrasse
A diverse group of fish with an equally wide range of characteristics. Some wrasse species are aggressive towards small fish and invertebrates, others are reef safe. Some are quite hardy, some typically die within weeks.
The common name of the Bird Wrasse refers to the fish's long snout that is thought to resemble a bird's beak. Juvenile Bird Wrasse are green above and white below with two black stripes along the length of the body. Their snout is less elongate than adults.
Initial phase Bird Wrasse, are white with a black spot on each scale that gives the fish a speckled look. The top of the snout is orange, and the caudal fin is black with a white border.
Terminal phase Bird Wrasse have a blue-green body with a red line on each scale. The snout is blue-green and the caudal fin has a bright blue crescent. This species grows to 30cm in length.
Like all the Thalassoma wrasses, the Bluehead Wrasse is a high energy fish and does best with frequent daily feedings to keep up with its energy expenditure. It is very active during the day, enjoying a lot of rockwork with nooks and crannies for retreating as well as for sleeping at night. It also enjoys resting on a sandy substrate and may burrow into it when frightened.
The Bluehead Wrasse makes a wonderful addition to the right marine aquarium and can live for many years. They are easy to keep but they are sensitive to poor water conditions. Provide good water filtration and keep up on frequent water changes. This wrasse doesn't bother corals but it will eat crustaceans and invertebrates. A good inhabitant for the community aquarium with tank mates of a similar temperament.
This lovely aquarium fish is only occasionally available. IIt should be provided with a layer of sand on the tank bottom of 2 inches or more as it buries at night and when threatened. It will usually remain buried for a day or two when first introduced to the aquarium. It can be housed with a wide-range of fish species, although be sure not to house it with any fish that may pick on iut, particularly initially as Halichoeres sp cannot tolerate any harassment, particularly initially. Can do great in the right environment.
The Cortez Rainbow Wrasse is easy to identify and not easily confused with other species. It forms large schools that feed on algae, small crustaceans, plankton, and soft coral.
The Cortez Rainbow Wrasse has been reported to reach a maximum length of only 6 inches and thus is is quite small in stature. It is normally found over rocky shores in the surge zone within the first 50 feet of the water column.
Novaculichthys taeniourus (Lacepede, 1801), but may also be found listed as Hemipteronotus taeniourus. Thought to be a different species because its juvenile phase appearance, this fish when young was at one time described under the name Novaculichtys bifer (Lay & Bennet, 1839).
Juveniles are suitable for a community tank at first, but as they grow they become very aggressive. Individuals should be kept singly, and large specimens housed with other larger aggressive or predatory species. Named a Rockmover Wrasse because it is notorious for turning over and moving rocks and corals around to look for food. This can cause damage to desirable organisms, and rock formations to become unstable, which may result in toppling rocks to damage the tank's structure. Buries in the sand to sleep at night and for protection when frightened or harassed.
The juvenile Marble/Hortulanus Wrasse, also known as the Checkerboard Wrasse, is white with stripes, dots, and patches of black. With maturity, it becomes silver with a distinctive black checkerboard pattern on the body. The dorsal fin and tail are yellow, and the face is light green with orange to pink striped markings.
A 70 gallon or larger aquarium with a sealed lid, a 2-3 inch sandy bottom to hide under if frightened, and other peaceful wrasses, including its own species, is a suitable environment. In the tank, it will eat fireworms and pyramidellid snails, protecting corals and clams. In addition, it may eat feather dusters, wild shrimp, tubeworms, and flatworms.
When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. Regular feedings should include a variety of prepared and live meaty foods such as feeder shrimps, flaked foods, and marine fish.