Common name: Mental wrasse
General information
The Redfin Wrasse, scientifically known as Oxycheilinus mentalis, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. It is known for its distinctive red fins and the striking blue lines that run across its face, which make it a visually appealing species for aquarists.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 20 cm (8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrasseOxycheilinus
- SpeciesMental wrasseOxycheilinus mentalis (Rüppell, 1828)
- SynonymsCheilinus mentalis Rüppell, 1828Cheilinus mentalis ruppell , 1828Cheilinus venosus Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840
Care
Redfin Wrasses are relatively hardy and adaptable to aquarium life, but they do require a well-established tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. It's important to maintain high water quality and stable parameters to keep these wrasses healthy.
Reproduction
In the wild, Oxycheilinus mentalis 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 little is known about their reproductive habits in captivity.
Habitat
Redfin Wrasses are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to South Africa and east to the Line Islands. They prefer reef environments with plenty of rockwork and crevices, typically at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters. They are often seen darting in and out of the reef, hunting for small invertebrates.