Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys Taeniourus)
Key Facts
Also Known As: Rockmover Wrasse, Carpet Wrasse
Compatibility, Behavior, and Environment
The Dragon Wrasse is well known for its dramatic transformation from juvenile to adult,its highly active, inquisitive nature, and distinct patterning around their eyes. Juveniles are strikingly ornate with elongated, flowing fins resembling seaweed, which provide camouflage against predators. They also feature telltale dorsal spines that look almost like antlers As they mature, Dragon Wrasses become more robust, bold, and territorial, particularly around their preferred hunting grounds.
They are not considered reef safe, as both juveniles and adults are notorious for flipping rocks and disturbing the substrate in search of food, often disrupting corals and overturning aquascape features. This species is best suited for a fish-only system or tanks with robust tankmates, as it may prey on small invertebrates, shrimp, snails, and worms. Only one Dragon Wrasse should be kept per tank, as they can be aggressive toward conspecifics.
Small to Medium size specimens will generally be juvenile, while more mature Medium to Large specimens will most likely be adult. If you are particular with the age you’ll be receiving, please email us prior to ordering and we can confirm what the batch looks like that week.
Aquarium Requirements:
A Dragon Wrasse requires a large tank, ideally 75 gallons or more, with a sandy substrate and plenty of open swimming space. Provide secure rockwork, which it may rearrange, and ensure the tank is tightly covered to prevent escapes, as they are strong jumpers. They need a deep sand bed for sleeping and should not be housed in a reef tank. Moderate to strong filtration and regular maintenance will keep the environment healthy for their energetic lifestyle.
Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm: 1.5-2", Md: 2-2.5", Lg: 2.5-3"
Diet: Carnivore; enjoys a diet of meaty marine foods, including mussels, shrimp, snails, and marine pellets
Origin: Indo-Pacific, including Fiji, Hawaii, and the Western Indian Ocean
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Safe: No
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Pairs well with
Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys Taeniourus)
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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 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.