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Possum wrasses are tiny secretive reef wrasses that earned the trade name from their habit of hiding in rockwork and emerging only briefly to feed. Striking yellow body with distinctive black "false eye" markings. Suitable for nano reef tanks.
Native range: Indo-Pacific. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs — approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade. The Possum Wrasse is part of the Wrasse (Labridae) - Wetmorella grouping, characterized by elongated body shape, terminal-phase sex change (most species), and active reef-grazing or pest-control behavior.
Tank size: 20 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) — 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Lid: tight-fitting, gap-free. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies — a single 1cm gap is enough.
Flow: moderate to moderately strong is preferred by most wrasses — they evolved on current-swept reefs. Lighting: standard reef LED works for all wrasses; the fish itself does not require special spectrum.
Carnivore — mysis, copepods, brine. Most wrasses have very high metabolic rates and need 2-3 feedings daily. Skipping feedings during business travel or vacations leads to rapid condition loss — schedule automatic feeders or vendor-trusted tank-sitters for extended absences.
Safe: Peaceful nano community.
Avoid: Aggressive species, larger wrasses.
Not captive bred. Most wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites — born female, transition to male as they reach social dominance in a group. Tank breeding of wrasses is rare due to the complex behaviors and pelagic egg-laying that resists captive replication.
Hidden behavior frustrating to new keepers; outcompeted at feeding; jumping despite small size.
Common name refers to the secretive hiding behavior reminiscent of possum behavior.
Sparingly. Most active at dawn and dusk in dense rockwork. Many keepers see specimens only at feeding times.
Yes — small adult size (3") and peaceful temperament make them suitable for 20+ gallon reef tanks.
$30-70 in US trade.
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