All About the Dragon Wrasse
- Jan 12, 2025
- Anshika Mishra
- 6 0 0
In this article, we learn all about the Dragon Wrasse. Other common names for it are the Rockmover Wrasse, Red Belly Wrasse, or the Reindeer Wrasse.
Price
The juvenile can cost as low as $30. Getting an adult can cost upwards of $150. Many of these fish are sold in the aquarium trait for their wild body shape, with an elongated body, two giant top fins that stand on the horns, and a cool pattern many wrasses have.
Any hobbyist would want this fish. You have to be cautious, though; juveniles can be sold as small as 1-3 inches, which makes them appealing to put in a smaller tank. But they can grow up to 12 inches long in the tank setting. That's a big Wrasse that needs many swimming rooms as they are very active.
However, it takes about three years to hit that max size. Eventually, you have to upgrade and move to a larger tank as they grow, and so does their aggression.
Tank Size
With them getting a foot-long, please keep them in an 80-gallon aquarium. This size tank is usually 6 feet long, giving them plenty of room to explore throughout the day. A deep sand bed (2-4 inches) is an excellent setup for the fish. It'll allow them to bury themselves. Plus, they love to dig and scavenge for food. You can find videos of this Wrasse making a mess of the sand to get a piece of rock.
You need lots of rocks in the tank. They like to swim in caves and overhangs. You can see them move around structures, looking for anything to eat. Ensure you have the tank wholly covered as they are prone to jumping like any other wrasse. Mainly when you first introduce it into the tank.
Care Level
They are moderate-level fish. The juveniles, like frozen foods, pellets, and flakes, are prone to skittish from feeding. So, if you notice you are not eating, get some live food to entice them. The other thing is dealing with their personality in the tank.
When young, they will be peaceful. But they can sometimes make a mess of the tank as they age. To make sure your tanks are not getting clogged.
Their temper is semi-aggressive. As they mature, you can see them getting more like other larger Wrasse. They get big and very active. They can even be a bully in the tank.
Reef Compatibility
With caution. While these fishes will not eat your coral, as they get bigger, they will see your inverts as snacks.
Plus, they also like to rearrange their rocks. They will be searching for food throughout the day, and they won't let anything stop them from getting there.
Water Parameter
Temperature: 72-78
DKH: 8-12
pH: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: 1.020 - 1.025
They are hardy fish but still can be prone to ick and velvets. So, quarantine them before adding them to the main tank. This Wrasse will do great if you keep track of your water change and don't let your ammonia, nitrates, or phosphates spike.
Appearance
the max size is 12 inches and from juvenile to adult. They almost look like a completely different Wrasse. This Wrasse will be brown with lots of white coloration, eventually changing to black-gold. So, even when they are juvenile, they are pretty fish to have in the tank.
Diet
They are carnivores. When young, they'll love frozen cubes; you can even get them to eat pellets and flakes. They can eat larger food like Silversides and clams on half shells as they get bigger. Their origin is from the Indo-Pacific region, specifically the Philippines and Indonesia.
Compatibility
As long as fishes, they can be compatible with most fishes. However, as they age, you must keep them with fish that can stand their ground and dish it back, like Triggers and Angels.
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