Severns' Pencil Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Central-Western Pacific, from Indonesia and the Philippines to northern Australia and the Ryukyu Islands. Inhabits outer seaward reefs near sand.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Labridae family, genus Pseudojuloides. Also known as the royal pencil wrasse. Reaches 11 cm (4.3 inches). Elongated, cylindrical, and very slender body.

Social Behavior: Very shy and peaceful, swims close to the substrate. Constantly picks at rockwork for micro-crustaceans. Buries itself completely in sand for the night.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Adult males display a metallic blue-green body, a bright yellow stripe along the back, and orange dorsal and anal fins. Females are pinkish-gray. Strong dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 300 liters with plenty of live rock and a fine sand bed at least 8 cm (3 inches) deep. A secure cover or mesh net is mandatory.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Diet primarily consists of micro-crustaceans. Offer live copepods, newly hatched brine shrimp, and small frozen foods multiple times daily.

Water Quality: Stable temperature 23°C - 27°C, pH 8.0 - 8.5, salinity 1.020-1.025, KH 8-12, GH 15-25. Gentle water flow and reliable filtration.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Peaceful. Keep only with very calm and docile tankmates. Not compatible with tiny ornamental crustaceans.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Sex change from female to male is socially dominated. Not bred in home aquariums.

Risks and Diseases: Extremely high jump risk and starvation risk. Tends to have difficulty acclimating in immature tanks lacking a natural supply of copepods.