Hologymnosus longipes

Datasheet

General Description

The Sidespot longface wrasse, scientifically known as Hologymnosus longipes, is a member of the Labridae family and is native to the Western Pacific region, including areas like New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands, Vanuatu, and the southern Great Barrier Reef. These wrasses are known for their large size, growing up to 40.0cm when fully matured. They are active and slender fish that require ample space due to their high activity levels.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquarium life, this species demands a spacious tank with a minimum size of 1500 liters when fully grown. They are best kept in environments where they have space to swim and exhibit their natural behaviors. However, due to their rapid growth rate, it is essential to provide a large enough aquarium for their well-being.

Care and Hardiness

The Sidespot longface wrasse is classified as average in terms of hardiness. They are best suited for aquarists who can cater to their specific needs, including a deep sandy substrate of at least 5 cm to allow the fish to burrow when feeling threatened or for resting. Additionally, this species can be sensitive during transportation and acclimatization, requiring careful handling.

Reef Suitability

Reef safe with caution, these wrasses are known to be mostly peaceful but may display aggression towards similar species. Their behavior in a reef environment should be observed closely to ensure compatibility with other tankmates and corals.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Sidespot longface wrasse, it is crucial to provide ample swimming space, a deep sandy substrate, and suitable hiding spots to accommodate their digging behavior. Rocks and corals should be securely placed to prevent the fish from displacing them while foraging for food.

Behaviour

Known for their active nature, these wrasses may rearrange rocks and corals in search of prey. They exhibit interesting behaviors such as burrowing into the sand when threatened or resting. Additionally, they are observed to smash their prey on rocks occasionally.

Feeding and Diet

The diet of the Sidespot longface wrasse primarily consists of fish, larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, as well as other invertebrates such as krill, mysis, and artemia. Providing a varied diet that reflects their natural feeding habits is essential for their health and well-being in captivity.

Dimorphism

The Sidespot longface wrasse is hermaphroditic, with the ability to change gender from female to male as needed. When a male presence is required, a female within the group can transition to become a male and fulfill the necessary role. Understanding their reproductive behavior is crucial for successful captive breeding initiatives.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, these wrasses inhabit regions with deep sandy substrates and rocky outcrops for shelter. They are commonly found in the waters of the Western Pacific, thriving in areas like New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands, Vanuatu, and the southern Great Barrier Reef. Their distribution highlights their preference for tropical marine environments with suitable hiding spots and food sources.