Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: No

General Description: The Bird Wrasse is a very unusual fish with its elongated, beaked mouth. Found throughout the Indo-Pacific to Hawaii, the Bird wrasse exhibits clear sexual dimorphism. Males are variations of bright teal to blue-green, while females are brown-black dorsally and white ventrally. Because of this, males will often be referred to as a Green Bird Wrasse and females as a Brown or Black Bird Wrasse. Do not underestimate the Bird wrasse’s ability to eat because of its unique mouth, as it is designed to bash invertebrates (i.e., shrimps, crabs) into more manageable pieces. This wrasse can be kept as a male-female pair, or a male with several females. An adult Bird wrasse can reach a size of approximately 10″.

Diet Requirements: Bird 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 very high metabolisms. Bird wrasses will also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety.

Care Requirements: An established, minimum 125 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single medium to large Bird wrasse. The tank will need to be upgraded accordingly as it grows, or with more individuals (i.e., male-female pair). A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. While a Bird wrasse will appreciate some rock work and crevices to swim through, they require a lot of unobstructed, open swimming space. Bird wrasses are not reef safe because they will eat clean-up crew invertebrates and likely harass small fishes typical of reef aquariums. A Bird wrasse would make an excellent addition to a fish only with live rock aquarium, and other tank mates that match its energetic and bold disposition such as triggerfish, pufferfish, larger angelfish, and tangs. If you want to house a pair of Bird wrasses together, it is best to add them both simultaneously or the female first. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: FEMALE Small: 4″ or less; Medium: 4-1/4″ to 5″; MALE Small: 4″ or less; Medium: 4-1/4″ to 5-1/4″; Large: 5-1/2″ to 6-1/2″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.