Tanaka's Pygmy Wrasse coloration

[Chaucer]

Was wondering if someone had experience with the Tanaka's wrasse's different colors. The one I ordered came in with green/yellowish fade on the front half of the body. Is this adult color or perhaps a male. Thanks for any input on this.

 

[evolved]

Like this? This is the average adult coloration and to be expected. The genus is NOT sexually dichromatic.

 

[Chaucer]

Yes similar, but the contrast is greater. I've seen that pic before and hadn't noticed the front coloration. The fish is healthy, eats well, and now that it's established roams the tank freely. Sounds like the fish is an adult. Thanks for the reply.

 

[ajespo85]

your could be a just a normal red pygmy wrasse, they aren't as colorful as the Tanaka's. I've done a lot of looking into this fish.

 

[Chaucer]

I believe it's a Tanaka's. I wasn't aware of the front half becoming yellow/green as an adult. It's very colorful, and the pattern matches what I've seen in print. I believe the examples I'd seen were young and a more solid red. It was special ordered for me by Premium Aquatics, as I live local to them.

 

[Chaucer]

I'm glad they are becoming more available, very interesting, and a model citizen in my reef tank.

 

[CoralNerd]

What other fish are you guys keeping with this wrasse and tank size?

 

[Chaucer]

I just restarted my 120 (5 months or so) and the wrasse and a red stripped hi fin are its only fish. I have a blood shrimp and snail clean up crew also. The main focus has been my SPS health at this point.

 

[evolved]

This is what mine looked like before he mysteriously died.
White Banded Possum Wrasse by kevitra, on Flickr

He was a very cool fish.

That was misidentified; you in fact also had a Tanaka's. The white banded differs by the stripes on the head "radiating" from the eye.

What other fish are you guys keeping with this wrasse and tank size?

The genus is quite passive and somewhat cryptic; you do not want to place them in a tank with anything semi-aggressive.

 

[snorvich]

You will, however, see them. While they tend to be somewhat reclusive, they are not really "shy". As time passes (mine is about 5 years old), they are out about more often.

 

[Dendro Dude]

I have one he's in with a pink lined wrasse, clownfish & a mandarin, with no issues.