Range: Southwestern Pacific Ocean: New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands, Great Barrier Reef

Size: Up to 5 in (12 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabit outer reef slopes

General Husbandry: Has a temperature range of 72 - 83°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. 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. This is a real beauty! May hide for several days when introduced, and also a good jumper!

Aquarium Suitability: * & * *