Banana Wrasse

The Banana Wrasse is a vibrantly coloured wrasse sure to inject exceptional visual interest and activity to any marine aquarium. The Banana Wrasse is a popular wrasse among hobbyists of all skill levels thanks to its hardiness and relatively compact size.

The ideal setup for the Banana Wrasse will be a well-established saltwater aquarium of at least 200 litres in size with a tight fitting lid. To best recreate a natural reef environment for your Banana Wrasse, aquascape liberally with live rock, providing ample nooks and crannies for your Banana Wrasse to explore, seek refuge, or forage for food. Be sure to include a large area of open substrate as well as open spaces for swimming. A sandy substrate layer is essential to provide shelter for the Banana Wrasse as it burrows into the sand for the evening or when frightened. House the Banana Wrasse with other peaceful wrasse, including members of its own species.

Banana Wrasse will eat bristleworms and pyramid snails, protecting corals and clams from these undesirable invertebrates. Though this hearty appetite for invertebrates seems beneficial, keep in mind that the Banana Wrasse cannot differentiate between “undesirable” and “desirable” invertebrates. If the opportunity presents itself, the Banana Wrasse will most likely make a meal of “desirable” ornamental invertebrates including fan worms, shrimp, and other crustaceans in the home aquarium. However, the Banana Wrasse typically will not harm sessile invertebrates including soft or stony corals.

In the home aquarium, the diet of the Banana Wrasse should consist of a diverse variety of food items including vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with high quality marine flakes and pellet foods. The Banana Wrasse will benefit from frequent small feedings throughout the day.