Species Name : Novaculichthys Taeniourus
Care Level : Moderate
Temperament : Semi-aggressive
Color : Blue, Green, Maroon, White
Diet : Carnivore
Reef Compatible : No
Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size : 6'
Origin : Pacific Ocean, Hawaiian
Family : Labridae
Minimum Tank Size : 180 gallons
Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys Taeniourus), also known as the Rockmover Wrasse, Carpet Wrasse, Bar-Cheeked Wrasse, Olive-Scribbled Wrasse or Reindeer Wrasse, is a species of wrasse mainly found in coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Rockmover Wrasse is a colorful fish, 27–30 cm (11–12 in) in length. It has an oblong, laterally compressed body and a wedge-shaped head. Its head is scaleless except for two scales on the upper part of the gill coverings and an almost vertical row of small scales behind each eye. The juvenile body coloration can range from maroon to green with white markings. The fins are also notable in their appearance, especially the first two dorsal spines that form a "cow-lick." The adult does not have the large dorsal spines and has a light-blue to green body with impressive darker markings.
It should reside in a 180 gallon or larger aquarium with a 2-4 inch sandy bottom in which it can submerge itself since it sleeps in the sand. Facing danger, these wrasses quickly dive into the sand for protection. Juveniles resemble algae and mimic the movements of detached, drifting seaweed by swaying back and forth in the currents. The aquarium should also have a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from jumping out.
It also moves the corals and rearranges the rocks in the aquarium to find food. The Dragon Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 6"
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