Common name: Creole-fish

General information

The Creole Wrasse, Paranthias furcifer, is a vibrant and active fish that adds a splash of color and dynamism to any saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its elongated body and striking coloration, which includes a purple to blue gradient along its body, accented with yellow on the fins and tail. They are a schooling species in the wild and can often be seen in large groups hovering over reefs.

Care

Creole Wrasses are relatively hardy and can adapt to life in captivity if provided with a spacious tank that mimics their natural environment. They require plenty of swimming space and a well-established aquarium with live rock for hiding and foraging. A varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is essential for their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Creole Wrasses are known to form harems consisting of one dominant male and several females. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. Reproduction in the home aquarium is rare, but maintaining a group may encourage natural behaviors.

Habitat

Paranthias furcifer is commonly found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and the northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops, typically at depths ranging from 10 to 120 meters. In the aquarium, they appreciate a similar environment with plenty of rockwork and open water for swimming.