Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Active

They are active, curious, and generally very peaceful fish in a community. They mind their own business while constantly hunting for copepods and amphipods. Occasionally, they might gently pester very small, docile tankmates.

Diet

Carnivore

They are active carnivores that constantly hunt for small benthic invertebrates. Offer them a varied diet of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality flakes. Feeding multiple small, nutritious meals is ideal for their health.

Sex ratio

Solitary

Keep them singly or as a male-female pair if introduced simultaneously to the tank. Two males will almost certainly fight each other to the death. Protogynous hermaphroditism makes early sex determination quite tricky.

Feeding frequency

TWO_THREE_DAILY

This highly active fish should ideally be fed two to three times daily. A constant supply of small live foods is also very beneficial. They possess a high metabolism requiring frequent energy intake.

Bioload

The bioload of this small wrasse is considered very moderate. It processes food efficiently and creates standard levels of waste. Regular tank maintenance is usually perfectly sufficient.

Flow

Strong

They prefer moderate water movement throughout the entire aquarium. This simulates the natural rolling currents of the Hawaiian reefs. Good flow also helps keep their environment clean and highly oxygenated.

Jump risk

Yes

Like many wrasse species, they are notorious and highly skilled jumpers. A tightly fitting lid or fine mesh screen is absolutely mandatory. They will often jump when startled or chased by other fish.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Spawning has not been successfully or widely achieved in home aquariums. They likely require specific environmental triggers and large water volumes. Larval rearing would also be extremely difficult for hobbyists.

Compatibility & tankmates

Not reef safe

It is generally peaceful and suitable for a standard community reef tank. Avoid keeping it with very aggressive or significantly larger species. Do not house with small ornamental shrimp as they may eventually be eaten.

Tank level

All levels

They primarily occupy the lower to middle regions of the aquarium setup. A thick, fine sand bed is crucial as they bury themselves to sleep safely. They spend their days constantly darting among the rocks.