Cheilinus fasciatus

Datasheet

General Description:The Redbreasted Wrasse, also known as the Cheilinus fasciatus, belongs to the Labridae family and can grow up to an impressive 40.0cm in length. These fish are larger compared to most Wrasses, even reaching up to 6.5 feet (2 meters). They are primarily found in the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the Red Sea and East Africa to Micronesia and Samoa, with their distribution stretching north to the Ryukyu Islands.

Aquarium Suitability and Demands:While the Redbreasted Wrasse is suitable for aquariums, they demand a very large tank, preferably 1000 liters or more when fully grown. This species presents a threat to many invertebrates, small fish, shrimps, crayfish, crabs, small bivalves, sea urchins, snails, and similar organisms. Their aggressive nature might require careful consideration when selecting tank mates.

Care and Hardiness:The hardiness of the Redbreasted Wrasse is considered average. They thrive best when fed with living foods initially, transitioning to large pieces of seafood every day or every other day. These fish may exhibit aggressive behavior when first introduced and can be stressed by other tank inhabitants or disturbances before properly acclimatizing.

Reef Suitability:Not considered reef-safe, the Redbreasted Wrasse may pose a threat to coral and other reef invertebrates. Their diet includes large crustaceans, fish, and other invertebrates, making them unsuitable for a reef environment.

Aquarium Setup:Setting up the aquarium for the Redbreasted Wrasse should include ample hiding places, such as live rocks, as they tend to hide initially while acclimating. It is essential to provide a spacious tank with secure rocks and substrate, as these fish have a habit of rearranging their environment. They prefer swimming freely and may thrive better without other members of the same species in the tank.

Behaviour:The Redbreasted Wrasse may exhibit aggressive behavior towards other species, necessitating careful consideration when selecting tank mates. They tend to hide during the acclimatization period, and disturbances should be minimized to aid in their adjustment to the tank environment.

Feeding and Diet:These fish require a varied diet consisting of fish, larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, and other invertebrates. Providing a varied and nutritionally rich diet is crucial for their health and well-being.

Dimorphism:The Redbreasted Wrasse is hermaphroditic, capable of changing gender from female to male as needed. When a male is required, a female can change sex and assume the role.

Habitat and Distribution:In their natural habitat, the Redbreasted Wrasse is commonly found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, the Red Sea, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific regions. Their distribution ranges from the Red Sea and East Africa to Micronesia and Samoa, reaching northward to the Ryukyu Islands.