Oriental Maori Wrasse - Medium

Wrasse Oriental Maori

The Oriental Maori Wrasse is a fish species with a reddish-orange body. There are two identifying white stripes that run horizontally along its body. Lines on the cheeks can also be seen on some specimens. Juveniles usually have brown or dots on their body. Even at this early age, it’s possible to see the appearance of the distinguishing white lines. As they mature, they can reach a length of 9.8 inches (25 centimeters) in length.

The Oriental Wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite and can change sex from female to male. It is an oviparous species with unique breeding pairs. Larger fish have been reported swimming sideways onto smaller fish, fanning its fins. This is believed to be mating behavior. The coloration of the larger fish is more vibrant than usual under these settings.

This species is native to the Indo-Pacific region. Its range includes the Red Sea to Indonesia, Southern Japan, and south to the Marshall Islands. They are found in protected lagoons and reefs with abundant coral debris and algae. It feeds on tiny fish and crustaceans/benthic invertebrates at depths of 3 – 250 feet (1 – 75 m).

Tank Recommendations for your Oriental Maori Wrasse

Due to their rarity in the marine trade, there are no general recommendations for the tank size. However, aquarists should be aware that this fish can reach a length of nearly 10 inches. Any tank should be able to accommodate fish of this size.

The Oriental Maori Wrasse is not considered to be reef safe. If placed in a fish-only tank, the environment should be similar to its natural habitat.

A suitable tank should have rocky and rubble areas, with a number of suitable algae.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Information about temperament and suitable tank buddies is limited for this species.

Oriental Maori Wrasse is rarely seen in the marine trade. One of the reasons for this may be finding suitable tank buddies.

Usually Compatible

There isn't much information for this specific species. However, fish only Wrasse can usually cohabit with Large Angelfish, Boxfish, Clownfish, Damselfish, and Tangs.

Sometime Compatible

Caution is advised with a variety of species if co-habiting with Wrasses. These include conspecifics, small Angelfish, Batfish, Dartfish, Eels, Hogfish, Pufferfish, and Squirrelfish.

Rarely Compatible

Most species won't pose a threat to this Wrasse. However, they shouldn't cohabit with slow movers such as Seahorses or Pipefish.

Feeding your Oriental Maori Wrasse

Not much is known about feeding this species in captivity. In the wild, they will feed on crustaceans, small fish, mollusks, shrimps, and sea urchins. It will be best to introduce them to chopped frozen foods for long-term success in keeping them in the aquarium.