What is a Dragon Wrasse?

A Dragon Wrasse is fish that is popularly sold as a pet. These fish are called several different names, and are known for their odd appearance and ability to move aquarium rocks around with ease. The animal is scientifically known as Novaculichthys taeniourus.

These saltwater fish have the capability of growing up to 12 inches (31 cm) in length. They are multi-colored, with long, light blue to green bodies featuring dark markings. This animal can be found naturally in the Pacific Ocean from Hawaii to Polynesia, as well as throughout the East Indies. Dragon Wrasse are also found along the shores of Africa.

Members of the Labridae family, Dragon Wrasse fish are considered very aggressive, territorial fish. They should not be placed with any other marine life, save for stinging-cell creatures. Dragon Wrasse will eat other fish, or even hermit crabs, when given the opportunity. When they do feel threatened, however, they will bury themselves within the sand or rocks of an aquarium until they feel safe. They also engage in this type of behavior when sleeping.

The carnivores' natural diet consists of shrimp, worms, and feeder fish, though they will also eat fish flakes. These hardy eaters should be fed a wide variety of food in order to remain as healthy as possible. Both frozen and live sources of food may be given, as well as some dehydrated protein. A fish specialist can help determine which food combinations are best for an individual Dragon Wrasse.

Environments created for Dragon Wrasse fish should be large, as the animals grow much larger than most household aquarium fish. The fish are strong jumpers and require a secure, heavy lid to prevent them from leaping from their tank and harming themselves. Wrasse fish are very active and require lots of room to swim, as well as many rocks for security and enjoyment. The fish also enjoy sand covered with patches of grass, which is reminiscent of their natural home environments.

Dragon Wrasse fish are commonly known as Reindeer Wrasse at their juvenile stage of development. This is attributed to the two long dorsal fins extending from the fish's head during this stage, which some say resemble the antlers of a reindeer. The fish's ability to move rocks while searching for food has given it the name Rockmover Wrasse. Some of the fish's other names include Striped Wrasse, Red Belly Wrasse, and Clown Wrasse.

The Dragon Wrasse, scientifically known as Novaculichthys taeniourus, is a vibrant and distinct species of fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. It's renowned for its unique appearance during the juvenile phase, which includes elongated dorsal fins that resemble the mythical creature, the dragon. As it matures, its coloration and shape change significantly, becoming less ornate.

Dragon Wrasses inhabit the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to the Hawaiian Islands. They are benthic creatures, meaning they live close to the sea floor, often seen in lagoons and on outer reef slopes. They prefer environments with plenty of hiding spots among the coral and rocks.

Dragon Wrasses are carnivorous and have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on a variety of invertebrates such as mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms. Juveniles often act as cleaner fish, picking parasites and dead tissue off larger fish, while adults tend to forage for food among the coral and sand.

Dragon Wrasses are known for their interesting behaviors, which include 'walking' along the seabed using their pectoral fins. They are also capable of flipping over rocks and rubble with their snouts to search for prey. These fish are solitary and territorial, often defending their chosen area aggressively against intruders.

Yes, Dragon Wrasses are popular in the aquarium trade, especially the juvenile form due to its striking appearance. However, they require large tanks with ample space and hiding places to accommodate their growth and active behavior. Their tendency to rearrange tank substrates and potential aggressiveness can make them challenging for some aquarists.

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, the Dragon Wrasse is not listed on the IUCN Red List and does not have a specific conservation status. However, like many reef-dwelling species, they could be affected by threats to coral reefs such as climate change, ocean acidification, and habitat destruction due to human activities.