Bird Wrasse

Bird wrasses are active daytime hunters with an elongated snout used to explore crevices. Plan the aquarium around sustained swimming space and securely arranged rockwork, rather than the size of a newly acquired fish. Keep a close-fitting cover over the tank, including gaps around equipment, because these wrasses can jump.

Offer a varied marine meaty diet in several manageable meals. Their probing feeding behaviour puts ornamental crustaceans at risk, so a display built around shrimp and other small mobile invertebrates is a poor match. Arrange shelter without filling the open swimming lanes.

Choose companions that can cope with an energetic, assertive feeder. Bird-wrasse colours change with maturity and sex; compare the current specimen and confirm its species before planning adult accommodation or adding another bird wrasse. A pair option does not by itself establish compatibility with fish already in your tank.