Diagonal-lined Wrasse

About

The diagonal-lined wrasse (Wetmorella albofasciata) is a small but sharply patterned fish found across a broad stretch of the Indo-Pacific, from the reefs of East Africa out to Hawaii and the Society Islands, including Micronesia and the Great Barrier Reef. In the wild it tends to keep to caves, crevices, and the shadowed overhangs of lagoon reefs and drop-offs, often at depths of 30 meters or more, which tells you something important about its personality: this is a shy, secretive animal that does not appreciate being exposed. In the aquarium it behaves much the same way, spending a lot of time tucked into rockwork and only venturing out to hunt when it feels secure. Because of that, a well-built reef with plenty of caves and overhangs is not optional for this species, it is essential. At under two and a half inches fully grown, it fits into smaller reef systems without any trouble, but the tank needs to feel like a reef rather than an open water column. It eats small invertebrates in the wild, so a varied meaty diet is the right approach in captivity. This is a rewarding fish for the patient keeper who takes the time to set up a comfortable environment and lets the fish come out on its own terms.