Common name: Cockatoo Wrasse
General information
The Cockatoo Wrasse, scientifically known as Pteragogus aurigarius, is a small and colorful member of the wrasse family. It is known for its distinctive elongated dorsal fin that resembles a cockatoo's crest, hence the name. This species is relatively uncommon in the aquarium trade but can be a unique and attractive addition to a reef tank.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 150 liter (40 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 12 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy May nip at LPS/soft corals
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae, meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, may be aggressive
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusDartfishPteragogus
- SpeciesCockatoo WrassePteragogus aurigarius (Richardson, 1845)
- SynonymsCrenilabrus spilogaster Bleeker, 1854Ctenolabrus aurigarius Richardson, 1845Ctenolabrus rubellio Richardson, 1845Duymaeria japonica Bleeker, 1856
Care
Cockatoo 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 with other wrasses. A varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Cockatoo Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but if conditions are right, they may spawn. Observing their complex mating rituals can be fascinating for hobbyists.
Habitat
Pteragogus aurigarius is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to South Africa and east to Japan and Australia. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reefs, usually at depths of 1 to 30 meters.