Pencil Wrasse
A slender and brightly patterned fish typical of the genus, offered under an unfamiliar trade name.
Feeding
Carnivorous, feeds on small invertebrates. Requires frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp several times daily in a mature tank with live rock.
Compatibility
Reef safe with corals but may hunt small invertebrates. Generally peaceful, but can be outcompeted at feeding times.
Behaviour and Personality
Constantly works the rockwork, often burying in the sand bed to sleep.
Before You Buy
The species identity needs confirmation prior to listing. Pencil wrasses typically acclimate poorly, arrive thin, and require a mature tank with a deep fine sand bed and frequent feeding.
| Specimen | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Acclimation | Slow and careful; poor tolerance for transport |
| Feeding Frequency | Several times daily |
| Minimum Tank Condition | Mature system with live rock and deep fine sand bed |
FAQ
Is the pencil wrasse safe to keep with corals?
Yes, it is reef safe with corals, though it may hunt small invertebrates.
How often should I feed a pencil wrasse?
Several times daily, preferably with frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp.
What tank conditions are necessary for a pencil wrasse?
A mature tank with live rock and a deep fine sand bed is required for successful acclimation and health.
Anne Terry –
The fish arrived thin and seemed stressed. After a week in a mature tank with live rock and daily feeding, it started burying in the sand and became more active. Still not fully acclimated, but shows signs of improvement.
Evan Ince –
I kept it in a 55-gallon tank with deep sand. It spends most of the day moving through the rock and hides in the sand at night. Feeding it daily with mysis helped it gain weight.
Dorothy Henderson –
It didn’t survive the first week. The tank wasn’t mature enough and the feeding schedule was too infrequent. I’m not sure if it was the right species after all.
James Ball –
After confirming the species, I set up a mature tank with fine sand and daily feeding. It’s now active, hides well, and seems healthy. A bit challenging to start with, but worth it for the behavior.