Dragon Wrasse - Novaculichthys taeniourus
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Juvenile
Adult

• Other Common Names:
• • Adult - Rockmover Wrasse, Striped Wrasse, and Clown Wrasse.
  • Juvenile - Reindeer Wrasse.
• Hawaiian Names: Known locally in Hawai'i as Nabeta.
• Scientific Name:
• • Novaculichthys taeniourus (Lacepede, 1801 or 02?).
  • May also be listed as Hemipteronotus taeniourus (Lacepede, 1801 or 02?).
• Distribution: Extends from Hawai'i southward to central Polynesia, westward through Micronesia and Melanesia, through the East Indies, and across the Indian Ocean to the coast of Africa.
• Average Size: Generally to about 12 inches, with some growing to about 15 inches.
• Minimum Tank Size Suggested: 75 gallons.
• Habitat: Bottom-dweller, found around sandy areas with coral and stone rubble present.
• Identification:
• • This fish is grouped with Razorfishes or Wrasses in the Family Labridae.
  • In its juvenile stage it has an olive-green toned body marked with white patches and brownish vertical bands; the face is marbled with white and green bands and line black lines; the tail is almost translucent and has dark horizontal rays extending outward; the head bears several antler-like extensions, thus the name "Reindeer Wrasse". Long unrecognized as being the same species, this fish when young was described under another name, Novaculichtys bifer (Lay & Bennet, 1839).
  • As an adult, each scale on its side has an oval, white spot so that the entire fish is spotted with white upon a brownish background, with the exception of the head and tail. The head is gray in color with about four brownish-green, gray-edged bands that radiate out from the eyes; the tail is accented with a white band on the inside, and dark on the outer portion.

• Characteristics & Compatibility:
• • As with most Wrasses, the Dragon Wrasse buries itself in the sand when frightened or while sleeping at night for protection. Because this Wrasse grows to quite a large size, it is best to provide it with a good 2-4 inch fine sand substrate base. Large specimens are strong and may topple live rock structures when trying to burrow under them or in the sand nearby.
  • This fish is notorious for picking up and flipping over or moving rocks and live corals in search of food, thus the name Rockmover Wrasse, so don't be surprised if your tank decor gets changed.
  • When keeping this Wrasse, or any others that bury themselves, it is important to keep the substrate cleaned and maintained regularly, as this fish can easily pick up internal and external bacterial and fungal infections from detritus build up in the sand or gravel.
  • Juveniles are non-aggressive and compatible in a community tank, but as they mature they become very aggressive. Keep only one to a tank, and peferably in an aquarium with other larger aggressive fish species, such as Eels, Hawkfishes, Triggers, Puffers and Groupers. It is best to avoid mixing with other larger Wrasses, because the Dragon and other similar species are extremely territorial and often will fight.
  • This fish is not completely reef safe, because of its nature to move rocks and corals, and should not be kept with ornamental crustaceans, other motil invertebrates as above, or small fish.

• Diet & Feeding:
• • The Dragon Wrasse is a carnivore. Its main diet consists of crustaceans and other motil invertebrates such as snails, serpent and brittle stars, bristleworms, mantis shrimps, other ornamental shrimps and crabs. In captivity it well feed on meaty fares such as chopped, fresh or frozen seafoods, dried, frozen or live brine and mysid shrimp, live grass shrimp, live black worms, properly cleaned earthworms, as well as flake foods and even small feed fish. Recommended to feed at least 3 times a day.

• Notes From Your Guides:
• • We give the Dragon Wrasse a 2 Star Care Rating Level. It is fish that adapts well to aquarium life, but because of its large size, aggressive nature, particular trait of moving rocks and corals, and being a sand burrower, it is important to provide a proper environment.

Debbie & Stan Hauter
About Guides to Saltwater Aquariums
Other Reference Resources
"Fishes of Hawaii" by Spencer W. Tinker.
"Marine Fishes:500+Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species"
by Scott W. Michael.
Read Book Review & Compare Prices
Starfish clipart from Debbi Rapp's
Tropical Nights Island Inspired Graphics
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