Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Two Spot Wrasse, also referred to as the Twinspot Maori Wrasse, is a relatively hardy and rare fish that ocassionally makes its way through the aquarium trade. Native to the western Indo-Pacific, the Two spot wrasse is one of the smallest in its genus Cheilinus, however its personality is still very bold once acclimated. The coloration of a Two spot wrasse varies considerably among individuals; they typically have a pearly white base color with a hues of red, yellow and blue-green. The shape of this wrasse is unlike any other fish making it a statement in the aquarium. A Two spot wrasse can reach an adult size of approximately 6″. Cheilinus wrasses are known to blow jets of water at the sand bed in search of benthic prey.
Diet Requirements: Two spot wrasses are carnivores. A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, mussels, clams, krill, squid and other large chunks of frozen food (with some that contain algae, such as spirulina) will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as wrasses have high metabolisms. High quality flake or pellet foods may also be accepted with time. Two spot wrasses can be fussy at first; offering gutted live ghost shrimp or fidder crabs will encourage feeding behavior. Note: It is not unusual for your Two spot wrasse to consume large amounts of food in a single sitting and not feed again for a few days.
Care Requirements: An established, minimum 90 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Two spot wrasse. A tight fitting lid is suggsted because wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. While a Two spot wrasse will appreciate some rock work and crevices to swim through and take refuge under, unobstructed open swimming space should also be provided. Two spot wrasses are to be added “with caution” into a reef tank because they will eat clean-up crew invertebrates and very small fishes typical of reef aquariums; corals will be ignored. A Two spot wrasse would make an excellent addition to a fish only with live rock aquarium, and with tank mates that are of similar temperament and size. If you want to house a Two spot wrasse with more aggressive species, it should be added first to allow it time to acclimate to its surroundings. If you want to house a Two spot wrasse with more docile species, it should be added near last or last. Take into account the size of your Two spot wrasse upon purchase for appropriate tank mates. Only one Two spot wrasse, or any Cheilinus wrasse, per aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3-1/4″; Large 3-1/4″ to 4-1/2″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
