Dragon Wrasse

The dragon wrasse is usually sold as a juvenile in stores: at this stage, with its green, brown and reddish mottled body and long flag-like dorsal spines, it swims swaying like a piece of seaweed drifting in the waves. As it grows these extensions disappear and it turns into a large, dark-colored wrasse. Its English name "rockmover" comes from the way adults flip rocks and rubble with their mouths to hunt the mollusks, sea urchins, brittle stars, worms and crabs underneath. Specimens are wild-collected.

• At least 600 liters for an adult; a sand bed at least 8 cm deep, because it buries itself in the sand at night and when in danger.
• Rocks must be secured to the bottom; small stones and coral fragments are constantly moved around.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C; a lid is essential.
• Not reef-safe: It knocks over decor and coral fragments; it eats shrimp, crabs, snails and sea urchins.

Carnivorous. It is fed 1–2 times a day with chopped mussels, shrimp and squid, krill, frozen mysis and granule foods.

A territorial and busy fish; it rearranges the aquarium all day long. It usually gets along with fish of a similar size and is aggressive towards its own species.

Good companions: Tangs, large angelfish, triggerfish, foxface, morays, groupers.

Avoid: Reef aquariums, invertebrates, very small fish, a second dragon wrasse.