Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus)
Fish in the family Labridae. Moderate care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Dragon Wrasse displays striking sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic color changes. Males are vibrant orange-red with blue facial markings and bold black-and-white striped patterns on the body; juveniles and females are more subdued with orange-yellow bodies and darker saddle blotches. The species has an elongated body with a pointed snout.
Diet and feeding
Feed high-quality meaty foods including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, small crustaceans, and quality marine flakes. Provide varied diet 1-2 times daily. They hunt small benthic invertebrates and are not suitable for tanks with ornamental shrimp or small crustaceans.
Difficulty and care for the Dragon Wrasse
Moderate - May rearrange rockwork. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to Hawaii, including East Africa, Indonesia, Philippines, and Great Barrier Reef.
Keeper notes
Popular for unique juvenile movement and appearance. May rearrange rockwork. Will eat small fish and invertebrates. Not reef safe.
Log Dragon Wrasse in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Dragon Wrasse alongside everything else in your reef.
