Common name: Ringtail maori wrasse
General information
The Red-Lined Wrasse, Oxycheilinus unifasciatus, is a striking and active fish known for its vibrant coloration and distinctive red stripe that runs the length of its body. This species is a part of the Labridae family, which is well-regarded for its members' roles in maintaining the health of coral reefs by controlling populations of smaller invertebrates and algae.
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 May nip at clam mantles
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods, mysis
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at inverts, corals
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrasseOxycheilinus
- SpeciesRingtail maori wrasseOxycheilinus unifasciatus (Streets, 1877)
- SynonymsCheilenus unifasciatus Streets, 1877Cheilinus cingulatus Weber, 1913Cheilinus polygramma Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1840Cheilinus unifasciatus Streets, 1877Cheilinus zonurus Jenkins, 1901
Care
Red-Lined Wrasses are relatively hardy and can adapt to life in an aquarium, provided their needs are met. They require a tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging, as well as a sandy substrate for burrowing at night or when stressed. These wrasses are known jumpers, so a tightly fitting lid is essential to prevent escape. They thrive in a well-established system with stable water conditions and benefit from a varied diet that includes meaty foods and marine-based flakes or pellets.
Reproduction
In the wild, Oxycheilinus unifasciatus exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with multiple hiding places can encourage natural behaviors.
Habitat
The Red-Lined Wrasse is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They are typically seen on coral reefs and rocky outcrops, often at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. Their natural habitat includes areas with abundant coral growth and clear waters, where they can hunt for small invertebrates.