Reindeer Wrasse - (No Online Purchases)

Name: Reindeer Wrasse / Dragon Wrasse / Rockmover Wrasse

Scientific Name:Novaculichthys taeniourus

Description: An unusual, active marine fish known for its dramatic transformation as it matures. Juveniles display mottled green-brown colouring and elongated, antler-like dorsal fins, mimicking drifting seaweed. Adults develop a robust body with intricate brown, olive and pale markings. Their habit of overturning rubble while searching for food earns them the name Rockmover Wrasse.

Origin: Tropical Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef and Pacific islands.

pH: Approximately 8.1–8.4

Temperature: Around 24–26°C

Salinity: Specific gravity approximately 1.023–1.026

Adult Size: Approximately 30cm.

Lifespan: Approximately 8–10 years, potentially longer with proper care.

Reef Safe: No. Eats a variety of ornamental invertebrates, including shrimp, crabs, snails and worms. Its digging and rock-moving behaviour can also dislodge corals and destabilise aquascapes.

Food: Carnivorous. Offer a varied diet of chopped marine seafood, mussel, clam, krill and mysis shrimp. Feed appropriately sized portions and ensure newly introduced juveniles are feeding well.

Compatibility: Can become boisterous and territorial as it grows. Best kept with robust, similarly sized marine fish in a spacious aquarium. Avoid small, timid fish and ornamental invertebrates. Generally best kept singly unless the system and pairing are carefully planned.

Habitat: Requires a large, established marine aquarium, ideally 570 litres or more for an adult, with ample swimming space and a fine sand bed at least 5cm deep for burying and sleeping. Secure structural rockwork firmly, as this species digs and moves loose rubble. Provide strong filtration, good oxygenation and a secure lid to prevent jumping.