Common name: Wrasse
General information
The Bird Wrasse, Gomphosus varius, is known for its distinctive elongated snout which resembles a bird's beak. This adaptation allows it to pick out small invertebrates from crevices in the coral reef. Males are typically a brilliant green color, while females and juveniles are usually brown or dull green with white markings.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 32 cm (1′1″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs ample swimming space
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods, mysis shrimp
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May chase small fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusBird WrasseGomphosus
- SpeciesWrasseGomphosus varius Lacepède, 1801
- SynonymsGomphorus varius Lacepède, 1801Gomphosus cepedianus Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840Gomphosus fuscus Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840Gomphosus nasutus Parkinson in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840Gomphosus notostigma Bleeker, 1862Gomphosus pacificus Seale, 1901Gomphosus pectoralis Quoy & Gaimard, 1824Gomphosus tricolor Quoy & Gaimard, 1824Gomphosus undulatus Streets, 1877Gomphosus viridis Cuvier, 1829Thalassoma stuckiae Whitley, 1959
Care
Bird Wrasses are active swimmers and require a spacious tank with plenty of room to roam. They are not considered reef-safe as they will prey on small invertebrates and may disturb the substrate. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine fish flesh is essential for their well-being.
Reproduction
In the wild, Bird Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare, but if conditions are right, they may spawn in a well-established system.
Habitat
Bird Wrasses are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops, often seen at depths from just below the surface to about 30 meters.