Description
Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus / Rockmover Wrasse)
A remarkable and highly intelligent marine fish, the Dragon Wrasse is famous for its dramatic transformation from an ornate juvenile with elaborate fin extensions into a powerful adult capable of moving rocks and rubble in search of food. Full of personality and constantly active, it is best suited to large fish-only marine aquariums.
Compatibility:
Semi-aggressive. Best kept with robust tankmates such as tangs, angelfish, triggerfish, puffers, lionfish, and larger wrasses. May prey on small fish and ornamental invertebrates and can become increasingly territorial as it matures.
Reef Compatibility:
Not reef-safe. While it rarely damages corals directly, it will consume shrimp, crabs, snails, worms, and other mobile invertebrates. It is also known to rearrange rockwork and substrate while foraging, making it unsuitable for most reef aquariums.
Diet:
Carnivore – feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms, mysis shrimp, krill, squid, chopped seafood, and quality marine pellets. Feed 2–3 times daily with a varied, protein-rich diet.
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24–27°C
- Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Minimum Tank Size: 500L
Care Level:
Moderate – requires a spacious, mature aquarium with excellent filtration, stable water quality, and a deep sand bed for sleeping. Rockwork should be securely positioned, as adults are capable of moving surprisingly large pieces while searching for food.
Top Tip:
Always provide a tight-fitting lid, as Dragon Wrasses are powerful jumpers. Secure all rockwork directly to the aquarium base before adding substrate to prevent collapses caused by their natural digging and rock-moving behaviour.
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