The Dragon Wrasse is a fish found in tropical reefs in the Indo-Pacific. It is also known as Rockmover wrasse and is a member of the Labridae family.
They are an aggressive species that may attack other fish and invertebrates. The Dragon Wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning that individuals start as female and can later change to male.
This article will provide information on the Dragon Wrasse’s habitat, diet, and reproduction. So let’s learn all about them!
Dragon Wrasse Species Summary
| Scientific name: | Novaculichthys Taeniourus |
| Common names: | Rockmover wrasse, Carpet wrasse, Dragon wrasse, Bar-cheeked wrasse, Olive-scribbled wrasse, or Reindeer wrasse |
| Size: | Up to 12 inches |
| Family: | Labridae |
| Origin: | Indo-Pacific region |
| Behavior: | Aggressive |
| Lifespan: | Over 10 years |
| Minimum tank size: | 100-gallons |
| pH range: | 8.1-8.4 |
| Water hardness: | 8-12 dGH |
| Temperature range: | 72°-78°Fahrenheit (22-26 degrees Celsius) |
| Water type: | Marine |
| Activity Level: | Moderate |
| Compatibility: | Large and aggressive tankmates |
| Breeding: | Egg-laying |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
Having some previous fishkeeping experience is helpful when keeping. They are hardy fish but require a large tank due to their size and active nature. Beginners may want to avoid this species due to their aggression.
You should be able to get a Dragon Wrasse at your local fish store or online. They are popular fish and are usually easy to find. Prices will vary depending on the size and color; usually, they cost between $40 and $50.
Check any prospective fish for signs of poor health before adding it to your tank. Signs of poor health include white spots, frayed fins, sunken eyes, and a bloated abdomen. If you see any of these signs, do not purchase the fish.
When you bring your Dragon Wrasse home, slowly acclimate them to their new tank. To do this, float the bag containing your fish in the tank for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of tank water. Repeat this process every 15 minutes for an hour.
After an hour, release into the tank.
Dragon Wrasse Appearance
Juveniles and adults look entirely different. Juveniles have a greenish-blue bodies with yellow fins. They also have three dark bars on their body.
Dragon Wrasse loses their bars and develops a more slender body as they mature. Adults are typically a deep blue color with yellow fins. Some individuals may also have white spots on their bodies.
Males and females also look different. Females tend to be smaller and have a more rounded bodies. Males have longer and more slender bodies. They also have extended fins and bright blue coloration.
Their eyes are large and can be very expressive. They also have a long snout, often called “Hogfish.”
Long dorsal and pelvic fins extend from their bodies. These have dark rays and light margins. They also have a long and flowing tail fin. Their tail fin is lunate shaped and has dark rays with light margins. The design of their body and fins makes them excellent swimmers. They can quickly change directions and are very agile in the water.
Adults lose this aesthetic coloration as they age. They become a duller blue color, and their fins may fade. The frilly nature of their fins makes them susceptible to nipping. Be sure to keep an eye on tankmates, as they may try to nibble on the fins of Dragon Wrasse.
Sexing this species is very difficult and usually requires a trained eye.
Dragon Wrasse Habitat
Dragon Wrasse is found on reefs in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. Their range extends from the Red Sea to Samoa and Austral Islands.
They are found at depths of 3 to 100 meters. They typically live in pairs or harems. They prefer areas with plenty of hiding places, such as caves and overhangs.
Dragon Wrasse Size & Growth Rate
Dragon Wrasse can grow up to 12 inches. But the average size is around 8 inches (20 cm).
Female is typically smaller than males.
Their growth rate is considered to be moderate. However, they can increase if given plenty of food.
Dragon Wrasse Lifespan
The average lifespan is 10 years. However, they can live for much longer if given the proper care.
Like most fish, a Dragon Wrasse’s lifespan depends on water conditions. If the water in their tank is not kept clean, they will not live as long.
Dragon Wrasse Behavior & Temperament
Dragon Wrasse is generally aggressive fish and can’t be kept with other peaceful fish of a similar size. They are not recommended for beginners, as they can be challenging to care for. They are also known to be jumpers, so be sure to keep a tight-fitting lid on your tank.
They are active fish, and they need plenty of room to swim. They prefer a sandy substrate and plenty of hiding places.
Dragon Wrasse is known to be fin nippers, so they should not be kept with other fish with long fins. They are also known to eat small invertebrates, so they should not be kept with shrimp or crabs.
They will also eat animals (including fish) that can fit into their mouth, so they should not be kept with smaller fish.
When they feel threatened, they will extend their first dorsal spine. This is used to scare off predators and can also be used in defense. They may also use this spine to attack other fish if they feel threatened. They often use their long noses to dig in the sand when searching for food.
They are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start as female and become male. The female usually changes to a male when she is ready to mate.
Dragon Wrasse Breeding
They are relatively easy to breed in captivity. They are livebearers, and they will give birth to fully-formed fry. The female usually gives birth to between 10 and 20 fries.
Setting up a separate breeding tank is best if you want to breed your Dragon Wrasse. The breeding tank should be at least 50 gallons in size and should have plenty of hiding places and plants. The water should be clean and well-filtered, and the temperature should be between 75° to 80°Fahrenheit.
You can raise the water temperature to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and perform a significant water change to induce spawning. This will usually trigger the female to release her fry.
Once the fry is born, it should be removed from the breeding tank and placed in its tank. The fry tank should be at least 20 gallons and have a sponge filter. The fry should be fed a diet of live baby brine shrimp or micro worms.
As the fry grows, you can slowly introduce them to other foods, such as pellets and flakes. Be sure to offer various foods to ensure that they get all the nutrients they need.
Following these steps, you can successfully breed your Dragon Wrasse and have a constant supply of healthy fry.
Dragon Wrasse Care
They are considered to be easy to care for. They are hardy fish that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. However, they do require a relatively large tank. If you plan on keeping multiple Dragon Wrasse, you will need an even larger tank.
They are also known to be jumpers. They have been known to jump out of open tanks. Be sure to keep your tank covered at all times. They are active fish that need plenty of space to swim. They also prefer tanks with plenty of hiding places. Be sure to provide them plenty of caves, overhangs, and live rock to hide in.
They are considered to be aggressive fish. However, they can be territorial towards other wrasse species. If you plan on keeping more than one wrasse, research compatibility before adding them to your tank.
They may hide a lot when first introduced to their tank. However, they will eventually become more comfortable and come out more often.
Here are some things to keep in mind when caring for Dragon Wrasse.
Dragon Wrasse Tank Size
The minimum tank size for a Dragon Wrasse is 100 gallons. However, if you plan on keeping multiple of them, you will need an even larger tank. A tank of 200 gallons or more is ideal.
As mentioned earlier, they are known to be jumpers. Be sure to keep your tank covered at all times.
When setting up your tank, include plenty of hiding places. They need caves, overhangs, and live rock to hide in.
Dragon Wrasse Water Parameters
They are not picky when it comes to water conditions. They can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. However, they do prefer warm water. The ideal temperature range for Dragon Wrasse is 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit.
They also prefer a pH level of 8.1-8.4. They can tolerate lower pH levels, but it is not ideal. The water hardness for Dragon Wrasse should be between 8-12 dKH.
However, the most important thing is ensuring the water is clean. Be sure to perform regular water changes and keep the nitrate levels low.
Filtration
Dragon Wrasse is not a particularly messy fish. However, they do produce a fair amount of waste. Be sure to include a sound filtration system in your setup.
An overhang or cave is excellent for your Dragon Wrasse to hide.
A protein skimmer is also a good idea. It will help remove some waste before it breaks down and pollutes the water.
Some recommended filters for Dragon Wrasse are:
- The Fluval FX6: These filters are great. They are powerful and efficient. They will keep your water clean and help remove waste before it can break down.
- The AquaClear 110 is less expensive than the Fluval FX6 but is just as effective.
- The Eheim 2217: This canister filter is very popular with fish keepers. It is powerful and efficient. It will do a great job of filtering your water and keeping it clean.
Heating
As mentioned earlier, Dragon Wrasse prefers warm water. The ideal temperature range for them is 72° to 78°Fahrenheit.
If your house is not naturally warm, you must include a heater in your setup. Be sure to get a good quality heater that can maintain a consistent temperature.
They are active fish that need plenty of space to swim.
Some recommended heaters for Dragon Wrasse are:
- The Eheim Jager Aquarium Heater is very reliable and easy to use. It will help you maintain a consistent temperature in your tank.
- The Hydor ETH 300W In-Line External Heater is less expensive than the Eheim Jager but more effective.
Plants
Dragon Wrasse is not particularly fussy when it comes to plants. They will generally leave them alone. However, they may uproot some of the smaller plants in your tank.
If you want to include plants in your setup, choose hardy ones that can withstand uprooting.
Some recommended plants for Dragon Wrasse are:
- The Java Fern
- The Anubias Nana
- The Java Moss
Lighting
Dragon Wrasse does not require special lighting. They can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions. However, they do prefer dimmer lighting.
Choose a suitable light if you are keeping live plants in your tank.
Some recommended lights for Dragon Wrasse are:
- The Zoo Med AquaSun Aquarium Hood
- The Marineland Double Bright LED Light
Co2 Systems
A co2 system can be beneficial if you keep live plants in your tank.
A co2 system will help to provide the plants with the carbon they need to grow. It will also help to keep the water pH stable.
Some recommended co2 systems for Dragon Wrasse are:
- The AquaVim CO2 Reactor
- The Fluval Edge CO2 Kit
Water Conditioners
They are not particularly fussy when it comes to water conditions. However, they do prefer water that is clean and free of toxins.
Be sure to use a good quality water conditioner to remove toxins from your tap water.
Some recommended water conditioners for Dragon Wrasse are:
- Seachem Prime
- The API Stress Coat+
Substrate
They can tolerate a wide range of substrates. However, they do prefer a substrate that is soft and sandy.
Some recommended substrates for Dragon Wrasse are:
- The Fluval Stratum
- The Eco-Complete
Decorations
In addition to choosing the suitable substrate and plants, you will also want to choose the right decorations for your Dragon Wrasse tank.
Some recommended decorations for Dragon Wrasse are:
- The Seachem Tidal 75
- The FluvalSea Sponger
Other Tank Accessories
When setting up your Dragon Wrasse tank, you must consider a few other things.
Some recommended tank accessories for Dragon Wrasse are:
- The AquaClear Powerhead: This is an excellent accessory for Dragon Wrasse. It gives them the water movement they need and helps to aerate the water.
- The Zoo Med floating dock is an excellent accessory for Dragon Wrasse. It provides them a place to rest and play and helps keep the tank clean.
- Aquarium Thermometer: An aquarium thermometer is a must-have for any fish tank. It will help you to keep the water at the proper temperature for your Dragon Wrasse.
Water Changes
Water changes are significant for all fish tanks but essential for Dragon Wrasse. They are susceptible to water quality, and they need water that is clean and free of toxins. Regularly perform water changes to keep your Dragon Wrasse tank healthy and happy.
Also, use a good quality water conditioner to remove toxins from tap water and make it safe for your Dragon Wrasse.
Steps for performing a water change:
- Turn off the filter and power head.
- Siphon out about 25% of the water from the tank.
- Add fresh, treated water to the tank.
- Turn on the filter and power head.
- Monitor the water parameters for a few days to ensure everything is stable.
Cleaning The Tank
Cleaning the tank is vital for all fish tanks but essential for Dragon Wrasse.
Steps for cleaning the tank:
- Turn off the filter and power head.
- Remove all of the decorations from the tank.
- Siphon out all of the water from the tank.
- Clean the tank with a good quality aquarium cleaner.
- Rinse the decorations and put them back in the tank.
- Add fresh, treated water to the tank.
- Turn on the filter and power head.
- Monitor the water parameters for a few days to ensure everything is stable.
Cleaning The Filter
Cleaning the filter is vital for all fish tanks but essential for Dragon Wrasse.
Steps for cleaning the filter:
- Remove the filter from the tank.
- Rinse the filter media in treated water.
- Place the filter media back in the filter.
- Put the filter back in the tank.
- Monitor the water parameters for a few days to ensure everything is stable.
Testing The Water
Testing the water is vital for all fish tanks but essential for Dragon Wrasse. They are susceptible to water quality, and they need water that is clean and free of toxins. Be sure to test your water regularly to keep your Dragon Wrasse tank healthy and happy.
Steps for testing the water:
- Purchase a good-quality aquarium test kit.
- Test the water for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates.
- If the levels are not within the acceptable range, take steps to correct the problem.
- Monitor the water parameters for a few days to ensure everything is stable.
Dragon Wrasse Common Possible Diseases
There are a few common diseases that can affect Dragon Wrasse.
Some of these diseases include:
- Ich: This is a common disease that can affect them. A parasitic infection causes it, and it can be deadly if left untreated. Symptoms include white lesions on the body and fins, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
If you suspect your Dragon Wrasse has ich, quarantine him immediately and treat the disease according to your veterinarian’s instructions.
- Fin Rot: This is a common disease that can affect them. A bacterial infection causes it and can be deadly if left untreated. Symptoms include fraying or rotting of the fins, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
If you suspect your Dragon Wrasse has fin rot, quarantine him immediately and treat the disease according to your veterinarian’s instructions.
- Dropsy: This is a common disease that can affect them. A bacterial infection causes it and can be deadly if left untreated. Symptoms include bloating, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
If you suspect your Dragon Wrasse has dropsy, quarantine him immediately and treat the disease according to your veterinarian’s instructions.
Dragon Wrasse Preventing Diseases
The best way to prevent diseases is to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your Dragon Wrasse. Be sure to perform regular water changes, clean the tank and filter regularly, and test the water frequently. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your fish, isolate him immediately and contact your veterinarian.
Also, purchase your Dragon Wrasse from a reputable breeder or pet store. Avoid buying fish from sources known to sell sick or diseased fish. Quarantine all new fish before adding them to your tank, and observe them closely for any signs of illness.
Dragon Wrasse Treatment And Medications Of Diseases
If your Dragon Wrasse becomes sick, you must take him to the veterinarian. He will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully and finish the entire course of medication, even if your fish appears to be healthy again.
You can also purchase medications specifically for Dragon Wrasse. These can be found at most pet stores or online. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, and always quarantine sick fish to prevent the spread of disease.
Some common medications used to treat Dragon Wrasse include:
- Maracyn: This is used to treat bacterial infections.
- Maracyn-Two: This antibiotic is used to treat bacterial and viral infections.
- Erythromycin: This is used to treat bacterial infections.
- TetraCynate: This is used to treat fungal infections.
- Pimafix: This natural remedy is used to treat fungal and bacterial infections.
Dragon Wrasse Food & Diet
Dragon Wrasse is carnivore fish, and their diet should consist primarily of meaty foods.
Some good options include:
- Live brine shrimp
- Live blackworms
- Frozen or freeze-dried krill
- Frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms
They would happily eat anything that fits in their mouth. It is essential to offer a variety of foods to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. Be sure to feed them small meals several times daily and remove any uneaten food after a few minutes.
It is also good to supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals. This can be done by adding a quality vitamin and mineral supplement to their food or by giving them a weekly dose of a liquid vitamin and mineral supplement.
They should also be given a calcium supplement daily to help prevent their bones and teeth problems.
Dragon Wrasse Diet Foods To Avoid
There are some foods that you should avoid feeding your Dragon Wrasse.
These include:
- Anything that is not meaty
- Anything moldy or rotten
- Excessively spicy foods
- Any food that contains chemicals or preservatives
Clean water is essential for the health of your Dragon Wrasse. Be sure to perform regular water changes and clean the tank and filter regularly. Test the water frequently, and add a quality water conditioner to remove harmful chemicals.
Dragon Wrasse Feeding Schedule
Dragon Wrasse should be fed multiple times per day. A good feeding schedule is feeding them small meals 3-4 times daily. Remove any uneaten food after a few minutes. Don’t overfeed them, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Dragon Wrasse Tank Mates
Finding suitable tank mates for your Dragon Wrasse can be a challenge. They are peaceful fish, but they are also known to be fin nippers and to eat small invertebrates. They should not be kept with other fish with long fins, shrimp, or crabs. They will also eat animals (including fish) that can fit into their mouth, so they should not be kept with smaller fish.
Some good tank mates for Dragon Wrasse include:
- Dottybacks
- Gobies
- Cardinalfish
- Clownfish
- Tomini Tang
- Wrasse
Invertebrates should be avoided as they will likely be eaten. This includes shrimp, crabs, and snails.
Many people suggest you buy a juvenile Dragon Wrasse and allow it to grow in your tank. This way, it will be less likely to eat your other fish.
Dragon Wrasse Fish To Avoid
- Fish with long fins
- Smaller fish
- Invertebrates
Advantages Of Having Dragon Wrasse In Your Tank
The first advantage of having Dragon Wrasse in your tank is that they are beautiful fish. They have vibrant colors and interesting patterns. They are also relatively large fish, which can excite your tank.
Another advantage is that they are active swimmers. They constantly swim around the tank and often swim in groups. This can help to add movement to your tank.
They are also known to be good at controlling nuisance algae. They will often graze on algae, and they can help to keep your tank clean.
Disadvantages Of Having Dragon Wrasse In Your Tank
The first disadvantage of having Dragon Wrasse in your tank is that they are known to be fin nippers. They may nip at the fins of other fish, which can cause stress and injury.
Another disadvantage is that they are known to eat small invertebrates. This includes shrimp, crabs, and snails. If you have invertebrates in your tank, they may be at risk of being eaten.
They are also known to be aggressive towards other fish. They may chase and bully other fish, and this can cause stress and injury.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, having Dragon Wrasse in your tank has both advantages and disadvantages. If you decide to add them to your tank, be sure to do your research and choose tankmates carefully. Be sure also to provide plenty of hiding places and food options. With proper care, Dragon Wrasse can be a fun and exciting addition to your tank.
I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Thanks for reading!
