Richmond’s Wrasse by LiveAquaria
The Richmond’s Wrasse is a real showstopper! With brilliant coloration, two false eyes when young, and tons of personality, this fish will create quite the buzz when you post pictures of it online. It features distinct chain-like lines along its sides, with females also showing orange and yellow hues toward the anal fin.
Environment & Care
Requires a 70-gallon or larger aquarium with a sealed lid. A 2-3 inch sandy bottom area is recommended to provide hiding spots when the fish feels threatened. Best kept with other peaceful wrasse species, including its own kind.
Diet & Behavior
Feeds on fireworms and pyramidellid snails, helping to protect corals and clams. Larger specimens may prey on smaller ornamental shrimp, crabs, feather dusters, very small wild shrimp, and tubeworms.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coloration | Brilliant, with chain-like side markings; females show orange and yellow near anal fin |
| False Eyes | Present in young fish |
| Adult Size | Varies, but typically grows to 4-6 inches |
| Compatible Species | Peaceful wrasses, same species |
FAQ
What kind of tank size is recommended for a Richmond’s Wrasse?
A 70-gallon or larger aquarium is recommended to provide adequate space and stability for this fish.
Does the Richmond’s Wrasse eat corals or clams?
It does not eat corals or clams directly. It feeds on fireworms and pyramidellid snails, which helps protect these organisms.
Can the Richmond’s Wrasse coexist with shrimp and crabs?
Larger specimens may prey on smaller ornamental shrimp and crabs. It is not recommended to keep them with small crustaceans.
Diana Greene –
The Richmond’s Wrasse is stunning in appearance. It’s very active and adds a lot of personality to the tank. I’ve kept it with other wrasses and it’s peaceful overall. The chain-like markings are very visible and it’s a great photo subject.
Brian Roberts –
Beautiful fish with vibrant colors. It hides under the sand when startled, which is a good sign of comfort. I feed it fireworms and it eats regularly. Just make sure to avoid keeping it with tiny shrimp.
Peter Coleman –
This wrasse has become the centerpiece of my tank. The false eyes in juveniles are fascinating to watch. It’s active, curious, and very colorful. I’ve noticed it helps keep snail populations in check.