Dragon Wrasse

Care

The Dragon Wrasse makes a fascinating addition to large fish-only aquaria. Juveniles look much different to the adults, and are sometimes referred to as Reindeer Wrasse when in this colour/life phase, on account of the long "antlers" (elongation of the first rays of the dorsal fin). A sub-adult specimen is pictured above. The juvenile colouration is thought to act as a camouflage against predators, which, coupled with the specialised way in which they swim in the current, ensures they appear more like floating seaweed/vegetation than fish. The Dragon Wrasse is best kept as a single specimen in the confines of the aquarium. As this fish matures, its aggression level heightens and it should only be kept alongside fish of a similar size and temperament. The aquarium should have a deep sand bed between 5-10cm (2-4") which will allow for your Dragon Wrasse to bury at night or if harassed or frightened. Powerful filtration and circulation with a high level of oxygenation are a must for this messy eater, as are tight fitting coverslides on account of its ability to jump. The other common name of "Rockmover Wrasse" has come about because of this species tendency to flip rocks, corals and large shells over in its constant search for food items. As such, do ensure your rockwork is as stable as possible, and observe regularly to make sure the structure has not been undermined.

Feeding

Feed a variety of meaty foods in small amounts several times per day, including Mysis shrimp, krill, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, chopped cockle/ mussel/ prawns/ squid/ clam/ fish flesh etc, plus flake food.

Breeding

This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.