More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 400 litres / 105.67 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 12.0cm / 4.72inches |
| Reef Compatible | Always reef safe |
| Temperament | Docile |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
The Yellowspotted wrasse, scientifically known as Macropharyngodon negrosensis, belongs to the Labridae family and boasts captivating colors and patterns. These fish are not recommended for beginners due to their specific dietary requirements and nutritional needs. They have a docile temperament and an interesting behavior of burying themselves in the sand when feeling threatened or when sleeping.
Aquarium Suitability
Aquarists need to have a well-established aquarium with ample small snails and pods for the Yellowspotted wrasse to feed on. It is crucial that they are not kept with competitors for the same food source to prevent malnutrition. Regular supplementation with various types of frozen foods is necessary several times a day to meet their dietary needs. Transporting these wrasses without sand can lead to injuries around their mouths, and it may take them some time to readjust after being moved to a new environment.
Demands, Care, and Hardiness
The Yellowspotted wrasse requires a minimum tank size of 400 liters and a deep sandy substrate of at least 2 inches for burrowing. They are sensitive during transportation and acclimatization, hence extra care is needed during these processes. These fish are considered average in terms of hardiness and are very shy and docile, making them unsuitable for tanks with aggressive tank mates.
Reef Suitability
The Yellowspotted wrasse is always reef safe, making it a suitable addition to reef aquariums without posing a threat to coral or other invertebrates.
Aquarium Setup
Aquarium setups for the Yellowspotted wrasse should include a deep sandy substrate, ample hiding spots, and a well-established ecosystem with small snails and pods for natural feeding. Keeping them with non-aggressive tank mates is essential to prevent competition for food sources.
Behaviour
These wrasses are known to bury themselves in the sand when feeling threatened or needing rest. They exhibit docile behavior and must not be housed with aggressive fish to ensure they are not outcompeted for food.
Feeding and Diet
The recommended diet for Yellowspotted wrasses includes small crustaceans such as krill, mysis, and artemia, as well as zooplankton like Cyclops and pods. Feeding should occur several times a day, especially when the fish cannot find enough natural food in the aquarium.
Habitat and Distribution
Yellowspotted wrasses are found in the Eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific regions, ranging from the Andaman Sea to the Philippines and Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to northern Australia. They thrive in sandy substrates and reef environments rich in small snails and pods for feeding.
Dimorphism
These wrasses are hermaphroditic, capable of changing gender from female to male as needed. This unique biological trait allows for flexibility in the fish's social structures and breeding dynamics.