Description

🐉 Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus)

The Dragon Wrasse, also known as the Rockmover Wrasse, is a highly intelligent and entertaining marine fish with a bold, dragon-like appearance. Juveniles feature long, flowing, ribbon-like fins and a spotted, mottled body that mimics drifting algae—perfect for camouflage. As they mature, their appearance shifts dramatically, becoming more streamlined with iridescent greens, blacks, and blues.

🪸 Care Guide

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive (especially as adults)

• Reef Safe: ❌ No – will disturb rockwork, eat inverts, and move corals

• Max Size: Up to 12 inches

• Diet: Carnivore – meaty foods like krill, shrimp, squid, clams, and marine pellets

• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily

🌊 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons

• Lighting: Standard – no special needs

• Water Flow: Moderate to strong

• Substrate: Sand or crushed coral – they like to dig

• Aquascape: Secure live rock – they will rearrange rock and substrate while foraging

🧬 Behavior & Compatibility

• Juveniles: Peaceful and cryptic, often hiding or mimicking algae

• Adults: Active and can become territorial

• Best kept with large, robust tankmates

• Will eat or harass shrimp, crabs, snails, and small fish

Important Notes:

• Known for “rock moving” behavior – will flip over rocks and dig through sand in search of food

• Not recommended for reef tanks due to their destructive nature

• Provide a tight-fitting lid – excellent jumpers