The Redbreast Maori Wrasse, scientifically known as Cheilinus fasciatus, is a striking and relatively large wrasse found in the Indo-Pacific region, including areas around Australia. It's a popular choice for larger marine aquariums due to its vibrant colours and active personality.
Here's a comprehensive care guide for the Redbreast Maori Wrasse, keeping in mind your location in Caboolture, Queensland, Australia:
Appearance:
- As the name suggests, it has a prominent red to orange breast that contrasts beautifully with its other colours.
- The body is typically a mix of greens, blues, and yellows, often with intricate patterns and stripes.
- They have a characteristic thick-lipped mouth common to many wrasses.
- Juveniles may have different coloration than adults.
Natural Habitat and Distribution:
- Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia (including the Great Barrier Reef), and various Pacific islands.
- Inhabit coral reefs, rocky areas, and rubble zones, typically in depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters (3 to 100 feet).
Aquarium Care (Intermediate to Advanced):
- Minimum Tank Size: Due to their active swimming habits and potential adult size, a 180-gallon (approximately 680 litres) tank is the absolute minimum for an adult Redbreast Maori Wrasse. Larger tanks (220 gallons or more) are highly recommended to provide ample swimming space and accommodate their active lifestyle.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
- Ammonia and nitrite should be 0 ppm.
- Nitrate should be kept below 20 ppm.
- Diet:
- Carnivorous: In the wild, they feed on a variety of benthic invertebrates, including crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms.
- In Captivity: Offer a varied diet of meaty foods such as frozen Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, chopped squid, clams, and other seafood. They will also appreciate live foods like ghost shrimp or blackworms occasionally.
- Feed 2-3 times daily.
- Temperament:
- Semi-aggressive to Aggressive: Redbreast Maori Wrasses can be territorial, especially towards other wrasses and similarly shaped fish. They may also harass smaller, more docile fish.
- They are generally best kept singly unless the tank is exceptionally large and they are introduced simultaneously as juveniles.
- They are known to rearrange substrate and may disturb loosely placed decorations.
- Reef Compatibility: Generally not considered reef safe. They will likely prey on small crustaceans (shrimp, crabs) and may bother other invertebrates.
- Tank Setup:
- Provide a deep sand bed (at least 4-6 inches) as they often bury themselves at night or when feeling threatened.
- Offer plenty of live rock with caves and crevices for hiding and exploration.
- Ensure ample open swimming space.
- A secure lid is essential as they are known to jump.
- Acclimation: Acclimate them slowly to new tank conditions using a drip acclimation method.
- Quarantine: It is highly recommended to quarantine new arrivals before introducing them to the main tank.
Adult Size:
- The Redbreast Maori Wrasse can grow to a significant size, reaching up to 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) in the aquarium, and even larger in the wild (up to 20 inches). You need to be prepared to accommodate their adult size with a sufficiently large tank.
Compatibility:
- Suitable Tank Mates (Large and Robust):
- Larger angelfish
- Tangs (in a very large tank)
- Groupers (of appropriate size)
- Triggerfish (with caution, as some can be aggressive)
- Larger puffers
- Other robust wrasses (in a very large tank, introduce simultaneously)
- Tank Mates to Avoid (Will be Harassed or Eaten):
- Small, peaceful fish (gobies, dartfish, cardinalfish)
- Shrimp, crabs, and other small invertebrates
- Other wrasses (unless in a very large tank and introduced carefully)
