Common name: cocktailfish
General information
The Filamented Wrasse, scientifically known as Pteragogus flagellifer, is a captivating species admired for its elongated fin rays and vibrant coloration. This species is part of the Labridae family, which is known for the diversity and beauty of its members. The Filamented Wrasse is a small to medium-sized fish that can add both movement and color to a reef aquarium.
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 Needs hiding places & live rock
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet: algae, meaty foods
- Social
- Pair Pairs or small groups
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial; may nip fins
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusDartfishPteragogus
- SpeciescocktailfishPteragogus flagellifer (Valenciennes, 1839)
- Synonyms? flagellifera Valenciennes, 1839Cossyphus filamentosus Peters, 1855Crenilabrus nematopterus Bleeker, 1851Ctenolabrus flagellifer Valenciennes, 1839Daymaeria flagellifera (Valenciennes, 1839)Duymaeria flagellifer (Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839)Duymaeria flagellifera (Valenciennes, 1839)Labrus ramentosus Forsskål, 1775Pteragogus flagelliferum (Valenciennes, 1839)
Care
Filamented Wrasses are active swimmers and require an aquarium with plenty of swimming space and a well-sealed lid, as they are known to jump. They thrive in a well-established reef environment with ample rockwork and hiding places. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Filamented Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male if the dominant male is absent. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but with a stable environment and a group consisting of one male and several females, breeding behavior may be observed.
Habitat
Pteragogus flagellifer is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They typically inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reefs, often seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters.
Their natural habitat includes complex coral structures which provide both food and shelter, making them an excellent candidate for mature reef aquariums that can replicate these conditions.