Zigzag Wrasse

General information

Zigzag Wrasse can grow up to 7-1/2″ (20 cm). They are found in depth ranging from 6′ – 150′ (2 – 50m) in shallow lagoons, usually over sand, rubble, or seagrass bottom. They are generally peaceful but may display aggression towards members of the same species. Maintain water temperature between 73 – 78 F (23 -26 C) degrees and pH at between 8.0 – 8.3.

The Zigzag wrasse are carnivorous in nature. They hunt and feed on hard shell invertebrates but generally feed on any meat bait. This may include flatworms and pyramid snails.

They are born protogynous females with the possibility to turn into males later on. The females have a black or yellow stripe zigzagging along the body on a white background. The male has a light blue-green background with pinkish vertical markings across the body.

They do well in pairs or one male with numerous females. They depict distinct pairings during breeding.

Can be found in the Indo-West Pacific, Eastern Africa coast, the Red Sea, Northern of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and South of Japan.

Wrasse are considered jumpers make sure your aquarium has a tight-fitting canopy or screen cover to prevent the Wrasse from jumping out of your aquarium. Wrasse have been known to jump through the smallest of holes in a canopy.

Wrasses prefer to have a 2" (5cm) sandbed to allow them to burrow into the sand to sleep or when they feel like they are in danger. Some people with bare bottom tanks have also added a Tupperware with a 2" deep sand bed to accommodate the wrasse's needs.

They are generally peaceful but may display aggression towards members of the same species.