Common name: green razorfish
General information
The Peacock Wrasse, scientifically known as Xyrichtys splendens, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. It is known for its striking green and blue hues, with males typically displaying more intense coloration and a pronounced 'peacock' pattern during the breeding season. This species is part of the Labridae family, which is known for its members' cleaning behaviors and important role in maintaining the health of coral reefs.
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 places
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp
- 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
- Speciesgreen razorfishXyrichtys splendens Castelnau, 1855
- SynonymsHemipteronotus splendens (Castelnau, 1855)Hemipteronotus ventralis (Bean, 1891)Xyrichthys splendens Castelnau, 1855Xyrichthys ventralis Bean, 1891Xyrichtys ventralis Bean, 1891
Care
Peacock Wrasses are relatively hardy and can adapt to life in captivity if provided with the right conditions. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging. A sandy substrate is also important as these wrasses will often bury themselves in the sand when they feel threatened or during the night. They are active swimmers and need ample space to roam, so a larger tank is recommended.
Their diet should include a variety of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. It's also beneficial to include marine algae and prepared foods that contain spirulina to ensure a balanced diet.
Reproduction
In the wild, Peacock 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. In the aquarium, breeding these wrasses can be challenging due to their complex social and environmental needs.
Habitat
Xyrichtys splendens is typically found in the tropical waters of the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, often seen darting in and out of crevices. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 25 meters.
Hobbyists should aim to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible to ensure the well-being of these wrasses in captivity.