Lineatus Fairy Wrasse (South Pacific)

Wrasses are prone to jumping from the aquarium when startled or excited so we recommend a secure lid. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Most species may be kept in pairs or harems as long as they are added together or females first. They do not appreciate living with other species of wrasse, so any aquarium with several species must be large enough and the most peaceful species added first.

They should be fed two to three times a day plenty of high quality meaty items, frozen Mysis shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, marine algae and Spirulina.

Fairy wrasses are easy to keep and have active personalities. They are safe with most invertebrates except small shrimp and crabs. They do not bother corals or anemones. They may bully smaller fish such as flasher wrasses, however most are not big enough to live with large or very aggressive fish, either. Most species can be kept together in systems at least 100 gallons, with the most peaceful species added first.

At night time fairy wrasses hide in the rockwork and wrap themselves in a mucus cocoon to hide their scent from predators. This cocoon may be visible in the morning, and will soon dissipate into the water, and a new cocoon created each night.

One of the ocean's greatest treasures, the Lineatus wrasse is incredible to behold. Mature males have hot pink flanks and yellow bellies peppered with deep royal purple arranged in thin stripes along its sides; two dark smudges in deep navy decorate the body close to the anal fin and front of the dorsal fin. Its eyes are intense bubble gum pink, and its fins flaming yellow and orange with glittering blue spots. Its fins are rounded except for its trailing pointed pelvic fins. Females and sub-dominant males are similar but have fewer adornments on their fins and less saturated colors. It is normally peaceful with other fairy wrasses except its close relatives such as the Red Margin and Rhomboid wrasses. It is a rare import from the Coral Sea, between Australia and Hawaii. It grows up to 5 inches and needs an aquarium at least 90 gallons.