Common name: Rockmover wrasse

General information

The Rockmover Wrasse, also known as the Dragon Wrasse or Reindeer Wrasse, is a fascinating species known for its unique juvenile appearance and behavior. Juveniles have a distinct mottled pattern that provides excellent camouflage among the rubble and seaweed. As they mature, their appearance changes dramatically, with adults developing a more streamlined shape and pronounced coloration, including a series of dark vertical bars on a greenish to brown background.

This species is known for its remarkable behavior of flipping over rocks and rubble in search of food, which is how it got its common name. This behavior can be both entertaining and beneficial in a reef tank, as it helps to turn over the substrate and prevent detritus buildup.

Care

Rockmover Wrasses require a large tank with a thick sand bed and plenty of live rock to thrive. They are active fish that need ample space to swim and forage. It's important to ensure that the aquarium is well-sealed, as these wrasses are known jumpers and can escape from uncovered tanks.

Their diet should include a variety of meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood. They are also known to eat nuisance invertebrates, which can be beneficial for controlling pests in the aquarium.

Reproduction

In the wild, Rockmover Wrasses are pelagic spawners, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and not commonly done by hobbyists.

Habitat

Novaculichthys taeniourus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit shallow, rocky reefs and rubble areas, often in surge zones where they can be seen actively flipping rocks in search of prey. Juveniles tend to stay hidden in the seaweed, while adults are more bold and can be found in open areas.