Dragon Wrasse Care Guide

The Dragon Wrasse is a fish that’s full of personality. It’s always on the lookout for food and it displays some unique behaviors to get it.

They are an aggressive species, which may put some people off, but it is worth braving this aggression because these are very attractive fish that change in appearance quite a bit as they mature.

We will cover everything you need to know about Dragon Wrasse care in this article, such as their ideal tank design and their dietary needs.

The Dragon Wrasse has many names, such as the Rockmover Wrasse, Carpet Wrasse, Bar-Cheeked Wrasse, Reindeer Wrasse, and Olive-Scribbled Wrasse.

Its scientific name is Novaculichthys taeniourus and it is part of the Labridae family, which contains all the wrasses. It is currently the only member of its genus.

Dragon Wrasses are saltwater fish from the Indo-Pacific, living around places such as Australia, The Philippines, Hawaii, and California. They live in shallow coral reefs and lagoons.

Having some previous fishkeeping experience is useful due to their behavior. Beginners may want to start with something a bit easier.

You should be able to get a Dragon Wrasse for about $50, but the price can vary a lot.

Check any prospective fish for signs of disease. Look out for any markings, wounds, or strange behaviors. Find a different stock if you do notice any problems.

Once introduced, a Dragon Wrasse can live for over 10 years in a healthy aquarium.

~Typical Behavior~

Dragon Wrasses are aggressive and territorial, they will attack any fish that gets too close.

They will also eat any animals (including invertebrates) that are small enough to fit in their mouths, so they should only be kept with large aggressive tank mates. They are not reef-safe.

When they feel threatened, they may dive into the substrate, wiggling around until it is difficult to see them. They may move around under the substrate and appear in new locations.

When searching for food, they often move stones and debris around, which is why they are sometimes known as “Rockmover Wrasse”.

In the wild they may even work together, taking turns at lifting rocks and grabbing what lays hidden beneath.

Make sure your decorations are secured down so they don’t get moved around.