Range: Western Pacific Ocean: Ryukyu Islands, Philippines, New Guinea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Great Barrier Reef, and in the Indian Ocean - Christmas Island

Size: Up to 4 in (10 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabit lagoon edges, canals, and outer reef drop-offs at depths between 15 to 60 feet (5 - 20 m) and remain in close contact with sandy bottom areas

General Husbandry: Has a temperature range of 72 - 82°F (22 - 28°C) and has a natural diet of zooplankton. Requires a meaty diet, including fortified brine shrimp, mysis, black worms and other meaty type frozen foods. May hide for several days when introduced, and also a good jumper! Needs two or three feedings per day. They make good reef aquarium inhabitants if supplied with ample crevices and caves. They don't bury themselves in the sand at night, as do many other wrasses. Instead, they form a mucus cocoon similar to some parrotfishes and/or wedge themselves into a rock crevice. It should be noted the cocoon remnants do not seem to harm water quality or other aquarium inhabitants.

Aquarium Suitability: * & * *