Common name: royal pencil wrasse

General information

The Severns' Pencil Wrasse, Pseudojuloides severnsi, is a vibrant and slender wrasse species that adds a splash of color to any reef aquarium. It is named after Mike Severns, a renowned underwater photographer and dive guide. This species is known for its elongated body and striking coloration, which includes a bright green anterior and a purple posterior, separated by a distinctive red line.

Care

Severns' Pencil Wrasses are active swimmers and require an aquarium with plenty of open space for swimming as well as rockwork or coral for hiding. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards other wrasses. 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, Pseudojuloides severnsi exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males if the dominant male is absent. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but environmental stability and a well-matched pair can encourage spawning behavior.

Habitat

Severns' Pencil Wrasses are found in the Western Pacific, particularly around the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands. They inhabit coral-rich areas and slopes, typically at depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters. In the aquarium, replicating their natural environment with a mix of live rock and coral can provide a suitable habitat.