Common name: Striated wrasse
General information
The Pinwheel Wrasse, scientifically known as Pseudocheilinus evanidus, is a small and colorful member of the wrasse family. It is known for its elusive behavior, often darting into crevices when startled, which has earned it the nickname 'Disappearing Wrasse'. This species exhibits a striking color pattern with a blend of red, orange, and purple hues, accented by a series of white lines and dots that spiral along its body.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 75 liter (20 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
- 8 cm (3″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Hides often, needs rockwork
- Diet
- Carnivore Mysis, brine shrimp, meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at small fish, inverts
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrassePseudocheilinus
- SpeciesStriated wrassePseudocheilinus evanidus Jordan & Evermann, 1903
Care
Pinwheel Wrasses are suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists due to their hardy nature. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting. These wrasses are carnivorous and prefer a diet of small 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 them healthy.
Reproduction
In the wild, Pinwheel Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male later in life. Breeding in captivity is rare, but if conditions are right, the dominant male will perform elaborate courtship displays to entice females.
Habitat
Pseudocheilinus evanidus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reefs, typically at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. Their natural behavior of hiding in crevices should be considered when designing their aquarium habitat.