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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Labridae (Hogfish, Wrasses)
Natural Range: Southern Great Barrier Reef to the Easter Islands
Depth: 33 to 130 ft. Size: 9 in. Jumps: Yes Space: 100+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Difficult Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Small crustaceans, bristle worms, mollusks
Natural History: The Feminine Tamarin Wrasse is found in small groups on coral and rocky reefs. This is observed to bury itself in the sand at night or when threatened. The Feminine Tamarin Wrasse is more secretive as a juvenile than as an adult. Juveniles have ocelli on the rear portion of both the dorsal and anal fins. Adult males have a darker head with blue lines and flecks on their orange body.
Husbandry: The Feminine Tamarin Wrasse is a very rare fish in the aquarium trade. Younger fish are reported to acclimate more readily to aquarium life and live foods are recommended at the start of the acclimation process. Fine sand is recommended to accommodate its tendency to bury itself. It is reported to prefer cooler water temperatures than its tamarin wrasse relatives.
AKA: Feminine Wrasse, Bluestriped Orange Tamarin Wrasse