Wrasse – Dragon

Dragon Wrasse Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  80 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 30cm (1′)

Diet: Carnivore

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Lifespan: Up to 10 years

Scientific Name: Novaculichthys Taeniourus

Other Common Names: Rock-mover wrasse

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: No

Approx. Purchase Size:  2-3 inches

The dragon wrasse, scientific name Novaculichthys Taeniourus is a semi-aggressive fish. Their minimum tank size is 80 gallons. Dragon wrasses can grow up to 1’ and can live up to 10 years. Dragon wrasses are carnivores and should be fed frozen meaty foods such as brine or mysis shrimp. Dragon wrasses are pod eaters and will hunt continuously for small pods found in the aquarium. Dragon wrasses can be trained to eat frozen foods but will be healthier and happier in a tank where they can hunt live food as well. They should be kept singly. Keeping multiple of the same species requires adequate space and rockwork. All dragon wrasses start as females, if there is multiple kept together and no male is present, the dominant female will turn into a male. Dragon wrasses can be kept with other wrasses. Dragon wrasses are reef safe with caution, they will not bother coral. They may prey upon crustaceans, starfish, urchins and snails when they mature. Dragon wrasses dive into the sand to sleep at night and will not do well in a tank without sand, the sand bed should be thick enough to completely cover them, atleast 2-3”. During the day they will be swimming throughout the tank. The dragon wrasse is also referred to as the rock mover wrasse. Wrasses are known for jumping and require a tight fighting lid.