Tanaka's Possum Wrasse

Care

Tanaka's Possum Wrasse is a diminutive reef-dweller known from Indonesia and the Philippines. It is a secretive species and spends much of its time staying close to rocky crevices and the shelter of corals, whilst it searches out small benthic invertebrates to feed on. These delightful fish may vary slightly in colour depending on collection location, but they generally display a beautiful sunset red-orange to burgundy body that is adorned with four thin white vertical bands. There is a large ocellus at the posterior of the dorsal fin, and a small ocellus on the anal fin. The colouration of the ventral fins also resemble large ocelli. Although Tanaka's Possum Wrasse is fairly cryptic, it makes a fascinating addition to reef aquaria where no tiny ornamental shrimp are present. The tank should be mature and furnished with plenty of live rock to provide feeding opportunities and shady hiding places. Keep only one per tank unless the tank is very spacious, in which case a group can be added simultaneously if the fish are all of the same size. If housing a group together, do ensure there is an abundance of nooks and crannies for the fish to hide amongst (allow several shelters per fish) and create some visual barriers amongst the decor. This is a slow-swimming fish that is easily bullied, so tankmates should be of similar size and of a peaceful disposition. Stable and optimal water conditions are required at all times, so a good filtration and maintenance regime is a must. Ensure that the aquarium has tight fitting coverslides with no small gaps in the hood, as these fish are expert jumpers.

Feeding

This species will spend many hours searching out micro-invertebrates living in amongst the live rock and substrate. It must be provided with natural prey, and a constant supply of tiny live foods for this purpose can be cultured in a fishless refugium. Will also enjoy vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, cyclops, baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii), and Mysis. Some specimens will also take flake food.

Breeding

Tanaka's Possum Wrasse has not been bred in the home aquarium, although some aquarists have observed courtship behaviour.