Dragon Wrasse - Small

The Dragon Wrasse is a maroon or green colour with white markings. This appearance develops as they mature. Juveniles are greenish coloured with brown diagonal lines running over their bodies. There are white blotches dotted over the body, face, and scruffy looking fins. These colours morph into a beautiful, coordinated pattern once they become adults. The body becomes more maroon and the white blotches become uniformed markings. They run diagonally over the Dragon Wrasses' body and blend into the now streamlined fins.

There is very little known about breeding habits and no known sexual differences. It is believed that like other Wrasses, they are hermaphroditic & pelagic spawners.

The Dragon Wrasse inhabits the Indo-Pacific region. Locations include East Africa, Indonesia, Australia, Fiji, Hawaii, and Panama. They are found on shallow reefs and lagoons between 14-25 meters. Often over sandy, rubble, and hard-bottomed grass areas.

Tank Recommendations for your Dragon Wrasse

The Dragon Wrasse should be housed in a tank that is at least 40 gallons (151 litres).

This species isn't reef safe and should be housed in a fish only aquarium. They are bottom dwellers and like to bury themselves in gravel if frightened. A substrate of at least 10 centimetres is recommended.

Dragon Wrasses are used to currents in the ocean so strong water movement is preferable. A tank should have a secure cover to prevent them from jumping out.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Dragon Wrasse is semi-aggressive. It is recommended to only keep one in a tank. Housing it with larger fish can help reduce aggression once it knows its place in the tank hierarchy.

It is possible to keep juveniles in a community tank. Adults will consume most things apart from sponges and corals.

Usually Compatible

They are not many ideal tank buddies for Dragon Wrasse. Even larger more aggressive fish need to be added beforehand and monitored. It can be kept on its own in a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) tank. This way, its transition from juvenile to adult can be observed without any issues.

Sometime Compatible

Dragon Wrasse need to be added to a tank last. Suitable companions, (if introduced beforehand), include Triggerfish, Snappers, Grunts, Hawkfish, and Groupers.

Rarely Compatible

Dragon Wrasse will eat crustaceans, small fish, & invertebrates, so these should be avoided.

Feeding your Dragon Wrasse

Dragon Wrasses are carnivorous. They need a substantial diet of fresh or frozen meaty food. Suitable options include brine and mysis shrimp, ghost shrimp, and live black worms. They will also consume flake food and pellets. They should be fed 3 times per day.