Dragon Wrasse
Novaculichthys taeniourus
Original price was: $196.99.$103.99Current price is: $103.99.
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2 - 3" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $171.99.$90.99Current price is: $90.99. | Email me | |
| Only 2 left | 3 - 4" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $196.99.$103.99Current price is: $103.99. |
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| Out of Stock | 2" or smaller - Indian Ocean | Original price was: $88.99.$46.99Current price is: $46.99. | Email me |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 180 gallons |
| Max Size | 12 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus), also called the rockmover wrasse, is known for its long juvenile fin streamers and its bold, bottom-oriented hunting style. It spends much of the day cruising sand and rock edges, turning over small rubble as it searches for meaty bites.
What You’ll Observe:
- Patrols the lower tank in steady loops, pausing often to inspect crevices and shells
- Picks up, drops, and repositions small bits of rubble while foraging
- Dives into the sand to sleep and may follow a consistent “bedtime” once settled
- Becomes very present at feeding time and quickly learns the routine
Provide open sand, sturdy rockwork, and a secure aquascape that can handle an active forager. Offer a rotating mix of meaty frozen foods and quality pellets in smaller, frequent feedings to match its high activity level. With a stable routine and plenty of space to explore, it stays engaged and responsive in the display.
Will my Dragon Wrasse keep its long juvenile fin streamers forever?
No—those long “dragon” streamers are a juvenile trait and gradually shorten as the fish matures.
Why does it keep moving rocks and rubble around?
That behavior is part of how it hunts; it “works” the bottom by flipping and shifting small pieces to uncover food.
Is it normal for a new Dragon Wrasse to vanish into the sand after introduction?
Yes. It may spend long stretches buried while it adjusts, then begin showing up reliably around lights-on and feeding times.
How do I keep it from toppling frags or lightweight decorations?
Mount frags securely (epoxy/putty or a stable rack) and keep loose items off the sand where it forages.
Can I keep more than one Dragon Wrasse in the same system?
Most hobbyists have the best long-term results keeping a single specimen; if mixing wrasses, use lots of space and distinct hiding areas.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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