Yellow and White Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widely distributed in the Indian Ocean. Found on reef flats and slopes with sandy patches at 10 to 50 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Family Labridae. Streamlined body. Features three distinct ocelli (eyespots) on its dorsal fin. Grows to 12 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful towards other fish. Buries itself completely in the sand bed at night to sleep or when threatened.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Bright canary yellow upper body with a stark white lower half. Genders look very similar.

Aquarium Setup: Must have a soft sand bed at least 5 cm deep. Decorate with stable rockwork. Avoid sharp gravel.

Diet and Feeding: Active carnivore. Known to consume flatworms, pyramidellid snails, and other reef pests. Feed mysis, artemia, and pellets.

Water Quality: Reef-safe parameters are required. Standard mechanical and chemical filtration with an active protein skimmer.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Safe with corals. May eat tiny ornamental shrimps or fan worms. Peaceful with other fish.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Spawning has not been achieved in private home aquariums.

Risks and Diseases: Jump risk when first introduced. Prone to skin injuries if kept with coarse or sharp substrates.