Comb Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Southwest Pacific: eastern coast of Australia and New Zealand. Found in transitions between rocky reefs and open sandy areas down to 30 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae. Has an elongated, streamlined body shape. Reaches a maximum standard length of 25 cm.

Social Behavior: Diurnal, active swimmer. Juveniles act as cleaner fish, removing ectoparasites from larger fish. Adults become solitary and search the substrate.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Features a distinct black horizontal stripe with a comb-like zig-zag lower margin on a white body. Terminal males display yellowish and purple hints.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 400 liters. A soft, deep sand bed (6-8 cm) is crucial for sleeping. Use a secure, tight-fitting lid.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on micro-crustaceans and worms. Accepts mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and high-quality pellet food.

Water Quality: Best kept in cool-water settings (16-22 °C), pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.025. Strong filtration is recommended.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Peaceful with fish. Great addition to cool-water marine tanks. Will eat small crabs, shrimps, and ornamental snails.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Broadcast spawners with pelagic eggs. No documented captive breeding records.

Risks and Diseases: Lack of proper sand bed causes injuries to the mouth and skin, leading to secondary bacterial infections.