Dragon Wrasse

Also known as Rockmover Wrasse, Reindeer Wrasse, Olive-Scribbled Wrasse

The Dragon Wrasse is one of the most unique and recognizable marine fish species, featuring dramatically different appearances between juvenile and adult stages. Juveniles resemble flowing seaweed with elaborate fin extensions and mottled brown coloration. Adults are large, powerful fish that constantly rearrange rockwork and substrate searching for prey—hence the “rockmover” name. While fascinating and personable, this species requires massive space, specialized care, and tolerance for complete aquascaping destruction.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Novaculichthys taeniourus
• Common Names: Dragon Wrasse, Rockmover Wrasse, Reindeer Wrasse
• Adult Size: Up to 10-12 inches
• Lifespan: 10-15 years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; becomes territorial with age
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe; destroys aquascaping and eats invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 180+ gallons strongly preferred
• Experience Level: Advanced; requires specialized setup and tolerance for rock-moving

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Requires very large tank with EXTREMELY SECURE rockwork on solid foundation (aquarium bottom, not on sand). This species will move ALL unsecured rocks and decorations. Deep sand bed (3-4 inches minimum) essential for burying and foraging. Open swimming areas are important. Moderate to strong water flow.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Good water quality essential

Equipment Recommendations:

• High-capacity filtration system
• Large protein skimmer
• Strong water circulation
• Secure, tight-fitting lid (will jump)
• Deep sand substrate (3-4+ inches)
• Rockwork secured to tank bottom, not sand

Aquascaping MUST be secured against fish that will move everything.

Diet & Feeding

Dragon Wrasses are carnivorous substrate foragers requiring varied diet.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Frozen mysis shrimp, frozen krill, frozen clams, chopped shrimp
• Variety: Chopped squid, scallops, marine flesh, chopped fish
• Live foods: Small crabs, snails (natural foraging behavior)
• Quality: High-protein foods for active foraging lifestyle

Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily

Special Note: Natural forager constantly searching substrate for prey. Will eat any small invertebrates: worms, crustaceans, mollusks. Excellent appetite once established. It may take time to acclimate to feeding.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Best with other large, semi-aggressive fish that won’t be intimidated
• Semi-Aggressive: Becomes territorial as it matures
• Predatory: Will eat small fish and all invertebrates
• Rock Moving: May stress tankmates by constant aquascaping changes
• Reef Destruction: Not suitable for carefully aquascaped systems

Notes & Considerations

• DRAMATIC transformation from juvenile to adult: One of the most extreme changes in marine fish.
• Juvenile appearance: Mottled brown/burgundy with elaborate flowing dorsal and anal fin extensions.
• Juveniles resemble floating seaweed or kelp; incredible camouflage.
• First two dorsal spines are extremely elongated creating “dragon” or “reindeer antler” appearance.
• Juvenile pattern and fin extensions gradually disappear over 12-18 months.
• Adult appearance: Olive-green to brown body with blue scribbled markings on face.
• Adults lose all fin extensions; robust, powerful body shape.
• Adults are completely different fish visually; no resemblance to juveniles.
• “ROCKMOVER” NAME IS ACCURATE: This species moves rocks constantly.
• Adults spend the entire day flipping rocks, moving substrate, and rearranging decorations.
• Can move surprisingly large rocks and heavy decorations.
• Will completely destroy careful aquascaping repeatedly.
• Aquascaping changes occur daily; impossible to maintain specific layout.
• Rockwork MUST be secured to the tank bottom to prevent collapse injuries.
• Unsecured rocks create serious crush injury risk to fish.
• Natural foraging behavior: flips rocks searching for hidden prey beneath.
• Constantly sifts through sand using mouth, creating clouds.
• Will excavate deep pits and trenches in substrate.
• Sand beds will be constantly rearranged and redistributed.
• A deep sand bed (3-4+ inches) is absolutely essential.
• Shallow sand prevents natural foraging behavior causing stress.
• Buries completely in sand at night and when threatened.
• May disappear for hours or days buried; normal behavior.
• Very active during the day once established; constant motion and digging.
• Juveniles are more shy and hide frequently; adults bold and confident.
• Will eat any small fish it can catch.
• Consumes ALL invertebrates: shrimp, crabs, snails, worms, small crustaceans.
• Absolutely not reef safe: Destroys aquascaping and eats cleanup crew.
• Not suitable for carefully planned reef aquariums.
• Best in fish-only or FOWLR systems where aquascaping changes are tolerated.
• Can be kept with corals but aquascaping will be constantly destroyed.
• May knock corals off rockwork during excavation activities.
• Generally peaceful toward appropriate-sized tankmates once established.
• May become territorial toward other wrasses or similar species.
• Can jump when startled or during acclimation: Secure lid essential.
• Juveniles are especially prone to jumping.
• Hardy once established and properly acclimated.
• Juveniles can be delicate initially; require careful acclimation.
• Adults are very hardy and disease-resistant.
• May refuse food initially; patience required during acclimation.
• Once feeding, excellent appetite and rapid growth.
• Native to Indo-Pacific coral reef regions.
• Juveniles commonly available and popular (due to unique appearance).
• Adults less commonly seen in trade.
• Moderate pricing for juveniles; adults command premium.
• This species will rearrange your tank daily—this is non-negotiable.
• Not suitable for aquarists wanting stable, planned aquascapes.
• Excellent for those who enjoy dynamic, natural fish behavior.
• Fascinating to watch forage and rearrange the environment.
• Becomes very personable and interactive; recognizes the owner.
• Can live 10-15 years with proper care and an appropriate system.

Why Choose a Quarantined Dragon Wrasse?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, properly acclimated Dragon Wrasse. Juveniles can be delicate during initial acclimation, making quarantine especially valuable. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and confirmed as excellent feeders before sale. Proper quarantine ensures the fish has adjusted to captivity and is feeding well, significantly improving long-term survival. CRITICAL REMINDER: This species will completely destroy any carefully planned aquascaping. Only purchase if you can tolerate daily rock-moving and substrate rearrangement. Rockwork MUST be secured to prevent collapse. A deep sand bed (3-4+ inches) is mandatory. Secure lid essential. Only suitable for aquarists who embrace natural fish behavior over static aquascapes.