MarineDepot.com Education Center - Species Database
Novaculichthys taeniourus
The Novaculichthys taeniourus or Dragon wrasse begins life as a very cute and perky juvenile that is great for a community tank. As it grows it will become a hardy eating machine that will starve if underfed. It is more often killed by aquarists than dying from other influences such as bad tank parameters. Relatively bomb proof, will re-decorate your aquascaping as it ages. This specimen requires a depth of 2-4 inches of fine substrate. Large individuals will jump from the tank as they are fairly boisterous and need extreme amounts of swimming space. Will pick at ornamental crustaceans, snails, serpent stars, bristleworms and mantis shrimps.
Maximum Size: the Novaculichthys taeniourus grows up to 12 inches.
Minimum Tank Size: The Dragon Wrasse (Juvenile/Sub-Adult) prefers a tank of at least 150 gallons with plenty of places
Diet: The Novaculichthys taeniourus is a carnivore and likes to eat Variety of meaty treats including frozen mysis, saltwater feeder shrimp, squid, scallop clam and other crustaceans. Will eat any marine flesh - non-oily..
Level of Care: The Dragon Wrasse (Juvenile/Sub-Adult) is a medium maintenance fish.
Behavior: The Dragon Wrasse (Juvenile/Sub-Adult) may act aggressively toward other fish.
Hardiness: this is a moderately hardy fish
Water Conditions: Keep water quality high (SG 1.020 - 1.025, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Temp. 72 - 78 F).
Range: Indo-Pacific.
Species Compatibility Checker
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