Description
A striking wrasse species with a slender red to pink body, white spotting, and long filamentous extensions on the upper and lower tail fin (lyre-shaped appearance). Juveniles look very different—bright red with bold white bands—while adults become more elongated and elegant in coloration.
Lighting
Moderate to strong lighting
(Reflects natural reef slope environments)
Placement (Aquarium Zone)
Mid to lower reef zones
Requires caves, rock structures, and open swimming space
Temperature
24–28°C (75–82°F)
Salinity
1.020–1.025 SG
pH
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity
8–12 dKH
Diet
Carnivorous
Shrimp
Crab
Mollusks
Frozen meaty marine foods (mysis, krill, chopped seafood)
Occasionally small benthic invertebrates
Adult Size (up to)
~25–30 cm (10–12 inches)
Care Level
Intermediate to advanced
(Needs stable water quality and enough space as it grows)
Compatibility
Generally semi-aggressive
Reef-safe with caution (may eat small invertebrates like ornamental shrimp or snails)
Best with medium to large, non-aggressive tankmates
Avoid very small fish and delicate invertebrate setups
