Wrasse – Tubelip

Tubelip Wrasse Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  80 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 30cm (1′)

Diet: Omnivore

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Lifespan: Up to 10 years

Scientific Name: Labrichthys Unilineatus

Coral Safe: No

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Approx. Purchase Size:  4-5 inches

The tubelip wrasse, scientific name Labrichthys Unilineatus is a semi-aggressive fish. Their minimum tank size is 80 gallons. Tubelip wrasses can grow up to 1’ and can live up to 10 years. Tubelip wrasses are omnivores and should be fed frozen meaty foods such as brine or mysis shrimp. They should also be supplemented with algae pellets and nori sheets. Tubelip wrasses suck mucus off of coral polyps (eating the coral polyp) in the wild so getting them to eat frozen can be difficult. They may also be fed clams, crustacean flesh, nano fish and other inverts. They should be kept singly, in mated pairs or small herums with one male and multiple females. Keeping multiple of the same species requires adequate space and rockwork. All tubelip wrasses start as females, if there is multiple kept together and no male is present, the dominant female will turn into a male. Tubelip wrasses can be kept with other wrasses. Tubelip wrasses are not reef safe, they will eat coral. They are not invertebrate safe, they may prey upon clams, crustaceans, etc. . Tubelip 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. Wrasses are known for jumping and require a tight fighting lid.