Blue Striped Tamarin Wrasse EXPERT ONLY

Overview

Care Requirements

• Aquarium Size: A minimum aquarium size of 120 to 180 gallons is recommended to provide ample swimming space and accommodate its natural behavior.
• Substrate: A deep, fine sandy bottom of at least 2-3 inches is crucial, as the fish will burrow into the sand to sleep at night or if threatened.
• Environment: Provide plenty of live rock with cracks, caves, and crevices for hiding and foraging for food.
• Lid: A tight-fitting lid is an absolute must because these wrasses are known to jump out of open aquariums.
• Water Conditions: The species needs excellent water quality, with moderate to strong water flow preferred. Recommended water parameters include a pH of 8.1-8.4, salinity of 1.023-1.025, and a temperature of 75°F to 82°F. 

Diet and Feeding

• Varied Diet: It should be fed small amounts of meaty foods 3-4 times a day.
• Recommended Foods: A diet should consist of vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, chopped mussels, and flake foods.
• Acclimation: Initially, they may only eat live foods (like copepods); patience is required to wean them onto frozen or processed foods.
• Caution with Invertebrates: While generally considered reef-safe with corals, they may eat delicate ornamental shrimp, small crabs, and other small mobile invertebrates. 

Temperament and Compatibility

• Peaceful Disposition: The fish is generally peaceful but can be timid.
• Tank Mates: House with other peaceful or semi-aggressive tank mates of similar size. Avoid large, predatory, or overly boisterous fish.
• Conspecifics: In all but the largest aquariums, it’s best to keep only one specimen unless you have a mated pair or a small harem with only one male.
• Sexual Dimorphism: All individuals start as females, and the dominant female in a group may transition into a male. Females are predominantly yellow with vibrant blue horizontal stripes, while males have a darker, more blue body with blue markings. 

Availability

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3″; Large: 3″ or larger

Please note: We guarantee that ALL aquaria species we offer will arrive alive and in good condition. However, because of the increased level of care required for this particular species, it has been designated as “Expert Only.” This species is recommended only for the expert aquarist, zoo, or research institution. “Expert Only” aquatic life is exempt from our extended guarantee after their arrival.