Common name: spotted-bellied rainbowfish
General information
The Rainbow Wrasse, also known as the Chain-Link Wrasse or Interrupted Wrasse, is a colorful and active fish that can add both beauty and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. Stethojulis interrupta is known for its striking coloration, which changes dramatically from juvenile to adult stages. Juveniles typically exhibit a series of white and orange stripes with a black spot on their dorsal fin, while males develop vibrant blue and green hues with intricate chain-like patterns along their bodies 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 to 8.4
- Average size
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adaptable to aquarium life
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet of meaty foods and algae
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be territorial
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrasseStethojulis
- Speciesspotted-bellied rainbowfishStethojulis interrupta (Bleeker, 1851)
- SynonymsJulis interruptus Bleeker, 1851Julis kallasoma Bleeker, 1852Julis kalosoma Bleeker, 1852Labrus chlorocephalus Bloch & Schneider, 1801Stethojulis kalosoma (Bleeker, 1852)Stethojulis zatima Jordan & Seale, 1905Stetholulis interrupta (Bleeker, 1851)
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 sandy substrate is also beneficial as these wrasses may bury themselves in the sand when they feel threatened or during the night. 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, Rainbow Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male later in life. This change is often triggered by social cues or the absence of a dominant male. In the aquarium, breeding these fish can be challenging due to their complex social structures and the need for precise environmental conditions.
Habitat
Stethojulis interrupta is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They are commonly seen in shallow, coastal reefs and lagoons, often swimming in small groups or harems consisting of one male and several females. They prefer areas with abundant coral growth and clear waters, typically at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters.