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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Labridae (Hogfish, Wrasses)
Natural Range: Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific Region, Pacific Ocean
Depth: 3 to 98 ft. Size: 11 in. Jumps: Yes Space: 75+ gal.
Reef Safe: No Care Level: Easy Temperament: Caution
Diet: Clams, crustaceans, brittle stars, small fish
Natural History: The Bird Wrasse is found on reef faces, slopes, and lagoons, often associated with branching stony corals. Juveniles are solitary while females may be found in groups. Adult males are solitary and aggressive. Juveniles have initial phase coloration while adults change to terminal phase colors.
Husbandry: The Bird Wrasse is a very hardy aquarium species. Males are particularly aggressive toward other wrasses, even of different genera. Captive males also tend to retain their adult coloration even without females present. Small fish and ornamental crustaceans are not safe with a Bird Wrasse. This wrasse species is very active and requires a large swimming space in captivity. It should be fed several times per day or it will lose weight. This species does not bury in sand and can be housed in a sand-free aquarium.
AKA: Green Bird Wrasse (male), Black Bird Wrasse (female)