Common name: Reticulated sandperch

General information

The Bird Wrasse, scientifically known as Parapercis tetracantha, is a distinctive species known for its elongated body and pointed snout, which resembles a bird's beak. This feature is particularly adapted for hunting small invertebrates in crevices and substrate. Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males typically displaying brighter colors and more pronounced finnage.

Care

Bird Wrasses are active swimmers and require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room. They are not considered reef-safe as they tend to prey on small invertebrates and may disturb the substrate. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine fish flesh is essential for their well-being.

Reproduction

In the wild, Bird Wrasses are known to spawn in pairs during the breeding season. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but if conditions are optimal, they may exhibit courtship behaviors. The eggs are pelagic, meaning they float in the water column until hatching.

Habitat

Parapercis tetracantha is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan, and south to the Great Barrier Reef. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, usually at depths of 1 to 30 meters.