Wrasse General description

Wrasse are large family of saltwater fish made up of over 600 different species. They are also one of the most popular and commonly kept species of marine aquarium fish. Most species of wrasse are vibrantly colored and are relatively hardy, making them excellent choices for most beginner aquarists.

Wrasse are large family of saltwater fish made up of over 600 different species.

Origins

Wrasse originate in most tropical waters from around the world.

Color

Wrasee come in a dazzling array of colors ranging from red, orange, yellow, blue, green, purple, brown and black.

Maintenance and care

Although a fairly common species of marine aquarium fish, it is important to thoroughly research each species of wrasse due to their varying temperaments. For example, some species of wrasse can also only be kept in pairs or in harems.

Wrasse are a very active species of fish and are powerful jumpers. They are also known to burrow into the aquarium’s substrate when feeling threatened, so it is important to use soft sand as a substrate in the wrasse aquarium. Some are also known to build mucus cocoons and burrow into the substrate when sleeping. If wrasse aren’t provided with a suitable substrate they will often attempt to hide under and between rocks and can sometimes topple the aquarium’s rockscapes.

It is important to keep the substrate of the aquarium clean as they can sometimes develop various bacterial infections after burrowing into polluted substrate.

Feeding

Wrasse are carnivores and thrive when fed on small crustaceans, marine worms and snails. Larger species of wrasse can prey on smaller species of fish.

Most species are vibrantly colored and are relatively hardy, making them excellent choices for most beginner aquarists.

Breeding

Wrasse have the ability to change sex and have complex, haremic mating systems. For example, when the mating female of a harem dies, the subordinate females will all compete for her position. And if the dominant male dies, the head female will transform into a male and assume his duties. While they are known to sometimes spawn in the aquarium, it is extremely rarely that aquarists are able to successfully raise the fry.

Aquarium varieties

Cleaner Common, Fairy, Carpenter’s Flasher, Black Leopard, Yellow Banded Possum, etc.

Photo credit: Brian Gratwicke/Wikimedia; LMBM2012/Wikimedia