Page 269 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

WRASSE 267

Gomphosus varius Halichoeres trispilus
SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
Bird Wrasse Four-Spot Wrasse
The interaction between the Blue Streak
ORIGINS Extends over a wide area, from East Africa ORIGINS Found in the vicinity of East Africa; replaced Cleaner Wrasse shown below (see p.268) and
across the Pacific Ocean as far as Hawaii. by a similar species (H. chrysus) farther east. other reef fish is a good example of interspecies
SIZE 12 in (30 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm). communication. The wrasse position
DIET Omnivorous, but prefers meat-based foods. DIET Prepared foods. themselves at particular areas on the reef, and
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline other species come to be cleaned. The fish
(pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025. (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025. adopt different postures to indicate to the
TEMPERAMENT Not social with its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Very active; intolerant of their own kind. wrasse which parts of their bodies need
grooming. The normal relationship between
Male Bird Wrasse The common name of this dwarf wrasse stems predator and prey is suspended, enabling the
Female are greenish, from the presence of three spots on the dorsal fin wrasse to venture into the jaws of some larger
while females are and another on the caudal peduncle, although it is fish without the risk of being snapped up.
browner on the flanks not the only species with this type of patterning.
with an orange stripe In the most common coloration, the top half of
running from the snout the body is yellow, while the underparts are white.
to the eyes. The pronounced Dominant males, like the one shown below, are
snout enables this wrasse to forage more brightly colored. Although small, Four
for food in crevices. The snout will Spots are still aggressive toward one another.
not be apparent until the fish is about 4
in (10 cm) long. Up until this stage, the Three spots on
the dorsal fin
fish is small enough to swim directly into
crevices on the reef in search of edible
items swept there by the currents. It is best to
obtain young fish, which will be more adaptable in
their feeding habits. Older individuals will
not forage for their food in the open,
although they are likely to graze on Dominant male
algal growth in the aquarium. coloration

Bodianus rufus Lienardella fasciatus
Spanish Hogfish The striking coloration of the Spanish Hogfish is Harlequin Tuskfish
consistent between individuals, and the patterning
ORIGINS Found throughout the Caribbean region as far of these fish does not alter significantly during ORIGINS The Pacific region, close to Asia and Australia,
as Bermuda, and southward to Brazil. their lives. The adults can be readily sexed, because where it is present on the Great Barrier Reef.
SIZE 12 in (30 cm). the heads of males turn from blue to yellow when SIZE 10 in (25 cm).
DIET Prefers to feed on invertebrates. they mature. However, the depth of water in which DIET Meat-based foods.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline these hogfish occur may affect their appearance; WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025. those found in deeper areas tend to be redder along (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
TEMPERAMENT Males will quarrel with each other. their backs. They need a large aquarium, and must TEMPERAMENT Solitary by nature.
be kept with companions of a similar size. Take care
when handling these fish, since they In spite of its name, the Harlequin Tuskfish is a
Male
have razor-sharp teeth. wrasse, albeit with a relatively broad body and
distinctive blue teeth. The flexible jaws allow
the teeth to protrude, when they resemble tusks.
This enables the fish to turn over stones and grab
invertebrates. The young display dark eye-spots
on their pelvic, dorsal, and anal fins, which
disappear as they mature. Tuskfish will burrow
into the substrate, like other wrasse.

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