Common name: rosy razorfish
General information
The Puddingwife Wrasse, scientifically known as Xyrichtys martinicensis, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its distinctive coloration, with males typically exhibiting a striking blue head and greenish body, while females and juveniles are more subdued with a mottled brown appearance. As they mature, their colors intensify, and they can undergo a sex change from female to male, a common trait among wrasses.
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 Needs hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May show aggression
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusRazorfishXyrichtys
- Speciesrosy razorfishXyrichtys martinicensis Valenciennes, 1840
- SynonymsHemipteronotus martinicensis (Valenciennes, 1840)Hemipteronotus modestus (Poey, 1867)Hemipteronotus niveilatus (Jordan & Evermann, 1903)Xyrichthys infirmus Bean, 1891Xyrichthys lineatus Valenciennes, 1840Xyrichthys martinicensis Valenciennes, 1840Xyrichthys modestus Poey, 1867Xyrichthys venustus Poey, 1876Xyrichtys infirmus Bean, 1891Xyrichtys modestus Poey, 1867Xyrichtys niveilatus Jordan & Evermann, 1903
Care
Puddingwife Wrasses are relatively hardy and can adapt to life in captivity if provided with a well-established aquarium that mimics their natural environment. They require a tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing, as well as open swimming space. These wrasses are known to jump, so a tightly fitting lid or screen is essential to prevent escape. They are omnivorous and will accept a varied diet including frozen and live foods, as well as high-quality marine flake and pellet foods.
Reproduction
In the wild, Puddingwife Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male later in life. This usually occurs when there is an absence of a dominant male in the group. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging due to their complex social and reproductive behaviors.
Habitat
Native to the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea, the Puddingwife Wrasse is commonly found in coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and seagrass beds. They are typically seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters.
Aquarists should aim to replicate these conditions as closely as possible to ensure the well-being of these wrasses in captivity.