Rockmover wrasse
The rockmover wrasse, also called the dragon or reindeer wrasse, is a marine fish in the family Labridae found throughout the Indo-Pacific. Juveniles are ornate with trailing filaments that mimic drifting algae, while adults are greyish-green with dark-edged scales and a blunt head used for shifting rubble. As its name implies, it is a powerful, active fish that flips over rocks and rubble to find prey and can be aggressive toward tankmates and invertebrates. It is best kept singly with robust companions. It needs a large aquarium with a deep sand bed, into which it burrows to sleep, and loose rubble it can move. It is a carnivore feeding on crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates, so it is not reef-safe with mobile inverts. It accepts a wide range of meaty frozen and live foods and is a hardy, characterful predator.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 24 – 27 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 8.1 – 8.4 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 8 – 12 °dKH |
| Salinity | 33 – 35 SG |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 450 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 150 L — territorial: does not simply add up |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Rockmover wrasse need?
Provide at least 450 litres to keep Rockmover wrasse in good conditions.
What water parameters does Rockmover wrasse need?
A temperature of 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, saltwater.
Is Rockmover wrasse peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is semi-aggressive.
What does Rockmover wrasse eat?
Its diet: carnivore.
How big does Rockmover wrasse get?
Around 30 cm as an adult.
Is Rockmover wrasse suitable for beginners?
Care level: intermediate.
Planning a tank with Rockmover wrasse?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
Report an error on this page
Care data is community-assisted. Spotted something wrong? Let us know — it won't change the page instantly, but it goes to moderation.
Care data is generated and manually reviewed; always cross-check before major decisions. ← Back to the encyclopedia