Dragon wrasse

Dragon wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus) is one of the great transformations in the marine hobby. Juveniles are shaggy, mottled maroon and white with trailing dorsal filaments and a rocking swimming style that mimics drifting algae, while adults become plain grey-green fish with a pale bar behind the head and a very different attitude. It is also called the rockmover wrasse, for good reason.

Aquarium care

• It grows well beyond the cute juvenile stage and needs a large fish-only system with a deep sand bed to sleep in.
• The name is literal: it flips and shoves rocks and rubble to find prey, so loose aquascaping will be rearranged.
• Not reef safe. It hunts ornamental shrimp, small crabs, snails, urchins and worms.
• Feed a varied meaty diet, including mysis, chopped seafood and a quality marine pellet.
• Keep the tank tightly covered, as wrasses jump.
• Temperament hardens with age, and adults can bully smaller or slower tankmates.

Suited to a robust fish-only display with tangs, larger angelfish, hawkfish or triggers that can hold their own. It is a poor fit for reef tanks, invertebrate systems or peaceful nano setups.

Stock rotates. Local pickup at our Lethbridge store; browse current saltwater fish.