Tanaka's Pygmy Wrasse

[edit] Overview

The husbandry needs of this fish are similar to those of others in the genus. See the Whitebanded Possum Wrasse, a species with similar care requirements.

An individual I kept seemed to be somewhat more aggressive toward congeners than others in the genus. (I do not know if this is a species-specific difference or if the individual I had was unusual.)

[edit] Feeding

These microcarnivores will feed on tiny worms and crustaceans that associate with live rock. They also readily take aquarium foods, like mysid shrimp, frozen preparations, and flake food. My Wetmorella seemed to prefer Cyclop-Eeze, which they picked out of the water column. Even though they will eat introduced fodder, it is still best to house them in a tank with live substrate because they are so reclusive (especially when first added to a tank) and prone to being dominated by tankmates. This will enable the possum wrasses to feed throughout the day on the minute prey living on the rock. A productive refugium can also help to ensure that they get enough to eat.

Although they are not bullet-proof, I have never had a Wetmorella succumb to a parasitic infection. I believe the most likely cause of death would be malnutrition resulting from infrequent feeding and an impoverished micro-invertebrate population in their tank. If their tankmates are too boisterous at feeding time, they may be intimidated and not get enough to eat.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

Not only are they shy by nature, they are also potential targets of tank bullies. It is best to avoid keeping them with more pugnacious species that may pick on them or with fishes that will prevent them from getting enough to eat. See Wetmorella for more notes on their behaviors and keeping.

[edit] Special Care

Although I have not had many of these fishes shipped to me, I think possum wrasses are susceptible to shipping stress. I suggest shipping them in a large bag with plenty of water. Once they arrive, they should be placed and acclimated in a quarantine tank as soon as possible. Make sure your quarantine tank has plenty of good hiding places and includes a few bits of live rock for them to pick at.

Category: Species