Care
The New Guinea Wrasse - also known as the Blackback Wrasse - is a member of the Tamarin Wrasse group, and is known from shallow inshore coral reefs with abundant Acropora growths, to depths of 30m (98ft). Adults occur in small loose groups consisting of several females and a dominant male, whereas the smaller juvenile fish are much more secretive and stay closer to corals. These attractive fish require a spacious, mature aquarium with plenty of live rock to both browse upon and hide amongst, plus a decent sand bed ideally 7.5cm (3") deep or more - in which to bury at night or if startled. No matter how often these fish are offered frozen or dried foods, they will starve in a tank without an abundance of mature rockwork, so this must be provided; the fish will prey on the micro-fauna that live amongst the rock, such as tiny shrimps, amphipods, copepods, and small crustaceans, which are easily crushed with its powerful pharyngeal teeth. For this reason, these fish cannot be kept alongside ornamental crustaceans and shrimps, as these items form part of its natural diet. Sessile invertebrates, however, will be perfectly safe. Effective filtration and circulation with a high level of oxygenation are a must in order to maintain optimal water conditions. Tight-fitting coverslides are also essential, as these fish are expert jumpers. Keep only one per tank, unless you can acquire a mated pair or a harem that consists of just one male and several females; the latter two options requiring a vast aquarium. Tankmates should be non-aggressive; if the wrasse is kept alongside large angels or tangs, it will become much more reclusive. Not to be kept alongside any of the dragonet species, as they will be outcompeted for food by the wrasse. As these fish are, unfortunately, somewhat delicate, we would recommend you quarantining a new purchase for several weeks to ensure it is in perfect health and feeding well before adding to your main display aquarium. This species is not suitable for beginners.
Feeding
Very challenging to feed. This species will spend many hours searching out small invertebrates living in amongst the live rock. It must be provided with natural prey. A constant supply of tiny live foods for this purpose can be cultured in a fishless refugium. Also offer Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, and finely chopped krill 3 times per day. Foods options must be plentiful and continuous, whilst not being allowed to have a detrimental effect on water quality.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
