Care
The Birdmouth Wrasse is a solitary, diurnal species known from the coral-rich areas of lagoons and seaward reefs, to a depth of 30m (98ft). Here this unusual-looking 'beaked' wrasse feeds on small benthic crustaceans, brittle stars, molluscs, and small fishes. The Birdmouth Wrasse is hardy and easy to keep, but a spacious aquarium is a necessity, as they are active, grow large, and are powerful (albeit rather jerky) swimmers. Ideally, there will also be ample rockwork to provide plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, plus an open swimming space along the front of the aquarium. A deep substrate is not required, as this species does not bury in the substrate after dark. Provide clean, well oxygenated water with areas of fast current. Tight fitting coverslides are also essential, as these fish are expert jumpers. This is a fairly boisterous wrasse that should only be kept alongside fish of similar size and temperament; smaller fish will be shown much aggression and are likely to be eaten. In the wild, the Birdmouth Wrasse snatches smaller fish in its beak and bashes them against the substrate until it breaks up into bite sized pieces. Tankmates must, therefore, be chosen with much caution. Keep only one male per tank, and, if a pair is desired, add the female and male simultaneously, or else add the female first. If two or more females are introduced to the tank (simultaneously) with no males present, one of the females will begin to change into a male. The aquarium must be of XXL proportions if such a group is to be kept successfully. Whilst the adults of this species can be readily recognised by the characteristic beak-like snout, juveniles may be more difficult to identify, as they do not develop the elongated nose until they are more mature. Like other wrasses, this species is a protogynous sequential hermaphrodite, which means that all fish are born as females and are able to change sex to male, but not back again. The largest fish in a group will be a dominant male, while the smaller fish remain female. If the dominant male dies, the largest female changes sex and takes his place. Male fish can be identified by their vivid emerald green colouration and larger size, compared to the muted browns of the female fish. The Birdmouth Wrasse (
G. varius) is sometimes confused with its close relative
G. caeruleus, but can be told apart by its slightly different colour pattern and geographical range; however, some experts believe the two are in fact the same species, just with geographical colour differences, but further research is needed. Interestingly, two natural hybrids have been documented. The first is with the Moon Wrasse (
Thalassoma lunare) from Cassini Island, Western Australia and the Great Barrier Reef; and the second is with the Saddle Wrasse (
T. duperrey) in Hawaii. May also be seen on sale as Birdface Wrasse, Birdnose Wrasse, Bird Wrasse, or Brown/Green Bird Wrasse.
Feeding
Carnivorous. Will readily accept most meaty frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp, krill, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, cockle & mussel meat, prawns, whitebait etc. These fish have a high metabolism, so be sure to feed small amounts 3 or 4 times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in captivity, most probably because large groups of this species are seldom kept together.
