Sunset Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian and Tuamotu Islands. Found in shallow lagoons and seaward reefs at depths of 1 to 30 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae. Features a slender, elongated body built for speed. Can reach a maximum length of 30 cm.

Social Behavior: Bold, highly active, and territorial. Known to harass other wrasses and smaller fish. Best kept as the only wrasse in the tank.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Terminal phase males are bright yellow-green with pinkish-red markings on the head. Initial phase females and juveniles are solid yellow. Protogynous hermaphrodites.

Aquarium Setup: Demands a long tank of at least 500 liters. A sand bed of at least 5-8 cm is critical for sleeping and hiding when stressed. Tank must have a secure cover.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Feeds on benthic invertebrates, crabs, and small shrimp. Provide chopped fresh seafood, frozen mysis, krill, and high-quality pellets. Feed 3 times daily.

Water Quality: High water flow and robust filtration. Maintain temperature at 23-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity at SG 1.020-1.025.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Not reef-safe; will consume ornamental shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Keep with robust tankmates like tangs and large angelfish.

Aquarium Breeding: Extremely difficult due to space requirements. Group or pair pelagic spawners.

Risks and Diseases: Jump risk is extremely high. Can suffer injury or stress if kept in tanks without a proper sand substrate.