Barred Thick Lip Wrasse

The barred thicklip wrasse, Hemigymnus fasciatus, develops from a boldly banded juvenile into a much larger, active fish. Its striking young appearance should not obscure the space and feeding demands of keeping a thicklip through adulthood. Fishes of Australia reports a maximum total length of 30 cm for this species.

Provide an established aquarium with generous swimming room, deep suitable sand and immovable rock shelters. This wrasse takes mouthfuls of substrate while searching for small animals. Offer varied marine meaty foods several times daily, and confirm that the individual accepts a diet you can continue at home.

Small fish and ornamental crustaceans are unsuitable companions for a growing predator. Similar wrasses may also face territorial behaviour. A secure cover is essential, and the aquarium layout should allow the fish to retreat or bury without colliding with sharp or unstable décor.