The Birdnose Wrasse (Gomphosus varius) is a fascinating fish with a distinctive long, beak-like snout. When referring to a female Birdnose Wrasse, here's what you need to know:
Identification of a Female Birdnose Wrasse:
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Coloration: Female Birdnose Wrasses typically have a muted brown to greyish body. The front portion (anterior half to the first third) of their body is usually lighter, often whitish with black speckles or spots on each scale, giving a speckled appearance.
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Snout: They possess the characteristic elongated, slender snout, though it may be less pronounced in juveniles. The top of the snout often has a reddish to orange hue, and a brown longitudinal line can run along the snout and through the eye.
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Fins: Their pectoral fins are usually translucent. The caudal (tail) fin is often black with a white border.
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Size: Females are generally smaller than males.
Care for a Female Birdnose Wrasse (General for the Species):
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Care Level: Generally considered easy to moderate, especially once acclimated.
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive. They can be boisterous and may become territorial, especially towards smaller or docile fish and other wrasses. They are known to eat smaller fish and most crustaceans.
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Tank Size: A large tank is essential due to their active swimming habits and potential size. A minimum of 125 gallons (around 473 liters) and a length of at least 6 feet is recommended for an adult.
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Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
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Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity
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pH: 8.1-8.4
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Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
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Aquarium Setup:
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Ample Live Rock: Provide plenty of rockwork with hiding places and areas for them to explore and hunt.
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Open Swimming Space: They are active swimmers and need open areas along the front of the tank.
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Secure Lid: Birdnose Wrasses are expert jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is crucial.
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Substrate: A sand bed of 3-4 inches can be beneficial, as they may hide in the sand if frightened, though they don't typically bury themselves to sleep.
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Good Water Flow: They need well-oxygenated water with brisk currents.
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Diet: Carnivorous. They use their beak-like snout to hunt for small benthic crustaceans, brittle stars, mollusks, and small fish. In an aquarium, feed a varied diet of:
- Vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp and mysis shrimp.
- Small pieces of fresh or frozen meaty seafood.
- High-quality marine flake and pellet food.
- Feed multiple times a day (3 times is often recommended) due to their high metabolism.
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Tank Mates: Choose tank mates carefully due to their semi-aggressive nature and predatory tendencies.
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Best with: Fish of similar size and temperament that can hold their own. Larger, boisterous fish are often good companions. They can be kept with a male as a mated pair if introduced simultaneously or the female is introduced first. Keeping a group with multiple females and one male requires a very large tank (300+ gallons).
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Use Caution with: Smaller fish (they may be eaten), slow-moving fish (may be bullied), and most invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, snails, clams are at risk).
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Avoid: Other elongated fish (they may be grabbed and harmed), and other Birdnose Wrasses unless a compatible mated pair or in a very large, established harem.
Important Considerations for Caboolture, Queensland:
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Temperature Stability: Ensure stable water temperatures throughout the year, considering both cooler winter nights and hot summer days.
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Water Quality: Use RODI water for mixing saltwater and top-offs.
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Availability: Birdnose Wrasses may be available at specialty aquarium stores in Caboolture or through online retailers that ship to your location.
Keeping a female Birdnose Wrasse can be rewarding, but it's essential to provide a large, well-established tank with appropriate tank mates and a varied diet to ensure its health and well-being. Remember their potential for semi-aggression and predation when selecting tank inhabitants.
