Common name: Red shoulder wrasse
General information
The Blue-lined wrasse, Stethojulis bandanensis, is a vibrant and active fish known for its striking coloration and dynamic behavior. This species is part of the Labridae family, which is well-regarded in the aquarium trade for the diversity and beauty of its members. The males are particularly colorful, with blue horizontal stripes adorning their sides, and a mix of yellow, black, and blue on their fins and tail. Females and juveniles are more subdued in color, typically displaying a silver to pale green base with darker bands.
In the wild, these wrasses are often found in shallow, coral-rich areas of the Indo-Pacific region. They are known for their curious and bold nature, making them an engaging addition to any marine aquarium.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 200 liter (53 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
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adaptable to aquarium life
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be territorial
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrasseStethojulis
- SpeciesRed shoulder wrasseStethojulis bandanensis (Bleeker, 1851)
- SynonymsJulis bandanensis Bleeker, 1851Stethojulis bananensis (Bleeker, 1851)Stethojulis casturi Günther, 1881Stethojulis fulvoventris Seale, 1901Stethojulis linearis Schultz, 1960Stethojulis rubromacula Scott, 1959
Care
Blue-lined wrasses are active swimmers and require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room. They thrive in well-established aquariums with a variety of live rock formations that provide hiding places and potential hunting grounds for small invertebrates. These wrasses are generally hardy and adaptable to a range of water conditions, but they do best in a stable, mature marine environment.
Their diet should include a variety of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. They also benefit from the inclusion of marine algae and prepared foods that contain spirulina or other vegetable matter.
Reproduction
Like many wrasses, Stethojulis bandanensis exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and have the potential to change to males as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding is not commonly observed, and the specific triggers for sex change are not well understood.
Habitat
Blue-lined wrasses are native to the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the eastern coast of Africa to the central Pacific. They are typically found in coral reef environments, often in lagoons or along reef slopes, at depths ranging from the shallows down to about 30 meters.
Their natural habitat is characterized by abundant coral growth, clear waters, and moderate to strong currents, which are conditions that should be emulated in the home aquarium to ensure their well-being.