Common name: Cheeklined wrasse
General information
The Cheeklined Wrasse, scientifically known as Oxycheilinus digramma, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its distinctive pattern of lines on its cheeks, which gives it its common name. The body is elongated with a mix of pink, red, and purple hues, and they can grow to a considerable size in the wild.
Details
- Recommended minimum 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
- 25 cm (10″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots & live rock
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods, mysis shrimp
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at clams, corals
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, may bully smaller fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrasseOxycheilinus
- SpeciesCheeklined wrasseOxycheilinus digramma (Lacepède, 1801)
- Synonyms? diagramma Lacepède, 1801Cheilinus coccineus Rüppell, 1828Cheilinus commersoni Bennett, 1832Cheilinus diagramma (Lacepède, 1801)Cheilinus digramma (Lacepède, 1801)Cheilinus digrammas (Lacepède, 1801)Cheilinus lacrymans Valenciennes, 1840Cheilinus radiatus Valenciennes, 1840Cheilinus roseus Valenciennes, 1840Labrus digramma Lacepède, 1801Oxycheilinus diagrammus (Lacepède, 1801)Sparus radiatus Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Care
In the aquarium, Cheeklined Wrasses require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and rockwork to provide hiding places. They are generally hardy and adapt well to life in captivity if their needs for space and environmental complexity are met. A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other prepared foods, will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Oxycheilinus digramma exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding is not commonly observed, and their reproductive behaviors are less understood.
Habitat
Cheeklined 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 where light still penetrates but can range down to deeper waters. They are adept at navigating the complex structures of the reef, which provides them with food and shelter.