Common name: Green wrasse
General information
The Rainbow Wrasse, scientifically known as Stethojulis balteata, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its striking coloration, which changes dramatically from juvenile to adult stages. Juveniles typically exhibit a mix of white and orange stripes with a black spot on their dorsal fin, while males develop vivid blue and green hues with ornate patterns as they mature.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 200 liter (53 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
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adapts well to captivity
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet of meaty foods and algae
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May chase small fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrasseStethojulis
- SpeciesGreen wrasseStethojulis balteata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
- SynonymsHinalea axillaris (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)Hinalea balteata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)Julis axillaris Quoy & Gaimard, 1824Julis balteatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1824Stethojulis axillaris (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Care
Rainbow Wrasses are relatively hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, will help maintain their health and coloration. It's important to have a tightly fitting lid as they are known jumpers.
Reproduction
In the wild, Stethojulis balteata exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where females have the potential to turn into males under certain social conditions. However, breeding them in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists.
Habitat
Rainbow Wrasses are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the central Pacific, inhabiting coral reefs and rocky outcrops. They prefer clear, shallow waters where they can be seen darting among the corals and rocks, often in small groups or harems consisting of one male and several females.