Anyone ever kept a Dragon Wrasse??

[reedman]

I have read and understand that they are not "reef safe". My understanding is that they like to turn over rocks. If the rocks were secured properly to prevent damage to the corals or tank, can this species be kept succesfully in a reef tank? If not, can you provide some insight into why?

It's just such a cool looking fish with unique swimming habits.

Thanks!
-Reed

 

[RockyHeap]

Want to hear about the 13-15" Dragon Wrasse I watched while snorkling in Kauai?

He was picking up and tossing around grapefruit and football sized rocks that were bigger than him!

They DO have very striking markings, I love the green and white freckled spots around their eyes, but IMHO they have no place in a fish tank for the long run.

 

[reedman]

Well, thanks for the reply RockyHeap. Everything I have read says they'll reach 1 foot in an aquarium and that they like to move the rock and eat crustaceans and worms.

Off to look for another "cool looking" unique fish that is big enough to see and small enough to keep in a normal person aquarium.

 

[Arkman]

Good Move

years ago I had a dragon wrasse to take care of a bristle worm "problem". no more bristle worms after a month of so.

 

[skylsdale]

Every instance I've read about someone putting one in their reef tank...it was removed shortly after. It will destroy and remodel your rockwork to how it sees fit. In the wild, this is how they hunt. The male and female will take turns lifting up rocks while the other snags whatever prey was lying underneath. This is what they will spend all day doing in your tank, until it's time for lights out and they'll bury themselves within the sandbed.