Common name: peacock wrasse
General information
The Peacock Wrasse, scientifically known as Iniistius pavo, is a strikingly beautiful fish known for its vibrant colors and unique behavior. The males are particularly colorful, with a mosaic of blue, green, and yellow hues, while females and juveniles tend to be more subdued in coloration. This species is also known for its ability to 'fly' through the water, using its large pectoral fins to glide gracefully.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs a varied diet and space to swim
- Diet
- Omnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp, and algae
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at small fish or inverts
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusRazorfishIniistius
- Speciespeacock wrasseIniistius pavo (Valenciennes, 1840)
- Synonyms? niger Steindachner, 1900Crenilabrus pavo Valenciennes, 1839Hemipteronotus niger (Steindachner, 1900)Hemipteronotus pavo (Valenciennes, 1840)Hemipteronotus pavoninus (Valenciennes, 1840)Iniistius cacatua Waite, 1901Iniistius leucozonus Jenkins, 1901Iniistius mundicorpus Gill, 1862Iniistius niger (Steindachner, 1900)Iniistius pavoninus (Valenciennes, 1840)Iniistius verater Jenkins, 1901Inistius pavo (Valenciennes, 1840)Novacula carneoflava Peters, 1877Novacula immaculata Valenciennes, 1840Novacula nigra Steindachner, 1900Novacula temporalis Regan, 1905Novacula tessellata Valenciennes, 1840Novacula tetrazona Bleeker, 1858Xirichthys pavo Valenciennes, 1840Xyrichthys niger (Steindachner, 1900)
Care
Peacock Wrasses require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging. They are active swimmers and need ample space to roam. A sandy substrate is also important as they have a habit of burying themselves in the sand when they feel threatened or during the night. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards other wrasses. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood, will help maintain their vibrant colors and health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Peacock Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male if the dominant male is absent. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but environmental stability and a well-matched pair can encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
Peacock Wrasses are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often seen at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. They prefer areas with sandy bottoms close to reefs where they can easily access both hiding spots and open water for feeding.