
Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella Nigropinnata)
Also Known As: Pygmy Possum Wrasse, Arrowhead Wrasse
Compatibility and Behavior
The Possum Wrasse is a tiny, cryptic wrasse that tends to hover and “skulk” through the rockwork rather than darting in open water, making it a great choice for smaller, peaceful reef tanks. There is NO DOUBT that the Possum Wrasse is one of the cutest and most unique wrasse species we carry.
The Possum Wrasse is generally a shy species, and may spend much of its time tucked into caves and crevices, gradually becoming bolder as it settles and learns the aquascape. This species is reef safe and peaceful, but should not be kept with larger and more boisterous fish.. Because they are small, slow-moving, and gentle, Possum Wrasses can be easily bullied, so they usually do best with calm tank mates that will not outcompete them for food.
Note that the Possum Wrasse is known for “playing possum” when stressed (hence its namesake). If it arrives lying down or swimming upside down, this is normal behavior after shipping stress; ensuring that it has a hiding place and a peaceful environment will allow it to de-stress and settle into your system.
Aquarium Requirements
Provide a mature nano or small reef aquarium of at least 10-15 gallons with extensive live rock, caves, and branching structures for the wrasse to weave through and hide within. Ensuring plenty of hiding places and caves is essential to the success of keeping a Possum Wrasse, and will allow it to feel secure and encourage more frequent appearances. Keeping this species in anything but a small, peaceful reef-tank runs risk of it getting “lost” to the tank or outcompeted for food. A tight-fitting lid or mesh top is still recommended, as even small, shy Possum Wrasses may jump if startled or chased. Because Possum Wrasses rely heavily on pods and small prey between feedings, a well-established system with frequent small feedings of fine, meaty foods will greatly improve long-term success.
Specifications
Approximate Size: .75-1.5"
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific reef regions
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Special Considerations: Very shy and easily bullied; requires plenty of live rock and caves in a peaceful, small community tank. May “play possum” when stressed.
Pairs well with

Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella Nigropinnata)
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
-
Shipping Information
- Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday. Orders will be shipped overnight on the soonest possible shipping day, unless you request to hold the order for up to one business day.
- Your order will ship same-day if placed before 12:30 PM PST on a shipping day.
- Orders placed after 12:30 PM PST will ship on the next shipping day.
- Stay tuned to our Announcement Bar (black bar at the top of every page) for important shipping announcements...we may reach our max limit of orders we can ship on Mondays.
- If it is very hot, very cold, or if you live in a rural area, ship to a UPS Access Point to save your livestock from hours of exposure to the elements. Click here to see how.
-
FAQ’s
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if UPS is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a UPS Access Point, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.
-
Contact Us
Send us an email at sales@reefbeauties.com and we will get back to you shortly.
We do not offer phone calls. We handle our inquiries with timely emails to ensure a qualified and high-quality response, to have all conversations on record, and to avoid miscommunications that can occur over the phone.
Free shipping on orders over $199!
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if FedEx is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a FedEx Ship Center, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.
