Five-band Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Indo-Pacific, ranging from East Africa to the Hawaiian and Tuamotu Islands. Inhabits surge zones and shallow, clear reefs at depths of 1 to 15 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae. Features a moderately compressed, elongated body. Reaches a maximum length of 17 cm.

Social Behavior: Energetic and territorial. Males will chase other wrasses and may bully smaller tankmates. Best kept singly.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is decorated with vibrant vertical red and green bands, with yellow undertones and five dark saddles along the back. Terminal males are much brighter than females and juveniles.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank size of 300 liters. A thick layer of fine sand (5-7 cm) is essential for burying behavior. Secure lid is mandatory.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Feeds on small crabs, shrimp, and worms. Feed frozen mysis, krill, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality pellets three times daily.

Water Quality: Strong water flow and high oxygenation. Maintain temperature at 23-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity at SG 1.020-1.025.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Not safe with ornamental shrimp, crabs, or small snails. Suitable tankmates include tangs, triggerfish, and larger damselfishes.

Aquarium Breeding: Extremely difficult. Pelagic spawners that release eggs into open water.

Risks and Diseases: High jumping risk. Lack of a fine sand bed causes stress and potential physical injury from gravel abrasion.