Although their mouths are small, they will grab their prey and then dash it on the substrate, breaking it up into bite-size pieces. Instead these Wrasse ARE recommended for either a FO (Fish Only) aquarium or FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) aquarium. The bird wrasse is a great fish for a beginner, as long as it is provided with a large enough tank. Saltwater Fish Compatibility. Females from front to back are white to yellow on the bottom and greenish-blue on top. They are very hardy and disease resistant. All rights reserved. Not only that, a good diet keeps a bird in good spirits, keeps his feathers in great condition, and improves his life overall. Both female species have bottom half white and top half peachy colored snouts. The way he laid on the sand was cool and the feeding was fun to watch as they pick off the food from other fish I had. The female is brownish black, and the male is variations of green. Only one bird wrasse male should be kept in an aquarium. It's interesting to watch him take food away from other fish. Because the Bird Wrasse is a "jumper," a tight-fitting lid on the tank is necessary. His streamlined body makes him a faster swimmer than the Triggers. Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Cocos-Keeling to Hawaiian, Marquesan, and Tuamotu Islands, north to Southern Japan, and south to Lord Howe and Rapa Islands. Description. Brown Bird Wrasse for sale 4Less! The most unique aspect about the Bird Wrasse is its elongated beak which is used to catch long, skinny prey and hold it captive while breaking it up into bite-size pieces. Both male and female can be housed in the same tank if introduced simultaneously. You can tell them apart from G. caeruleus, since those males are much bluer in color. The diet of the Bird Wrasse should include: meaty foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp, marine algae, marine pellets, and marine flakes. 90102) found in coral-rich areas of lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of at least 30 m (Ref. Females are creamy white colored in front and dark brown to nearly black in back. If bird wrasses appeal to you, and you are interested in some compatible fish for your aquarium, read up on: Check out additional fish breed profiles for more information on other saltwater fish. The Wrasse we list below because of their natural diet are not suited for a reef aquarium. The Bird Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food. This fish can grab that fish in its beak-like mouth and do serious harm. G. varius males are typically medium to dark green or greenish-blue in color. Only 1 left in stock. Bird wrasses are a semi-aggressive fish that have a tendency to eat smaller fish and almost any crustacean, shrimp, crab, snail, or clam. In the wild, a single male congregates with a large harem of females. The breeding of the bird wrasse is generally unknown in captivity. If a pair of Bird Wrasse are to be included in a tank, the female should be introduced first. I have a Red Coris Wrasse I have had for about 6 months and saw a green male Bird Wrasse I like and was thinking about getting. The Bird Wrasse males are generally a light to dark green hue while the females have a white anterior that blends into a dark to black posterior and have a yellow-orange, upper snout. These foods include krill, raw table shrimp, squid, clam and mussel. A 125 gallon or larger aquarium with large amounts of live rock which furnish food and hiding places provides a good environment. In the Aquarium they should be fed all kinds of meaty foods, … A good diet boosts the immune system and helps the bird ward off illness. Saltwater fish live arrival & stay alive health guarantee. Top Care Facts For The Green Bird Wrasse (Gomphosus varius) Care Level: Easy Temperament: Semi-Aggressive Diet: Carnivore Origin: Indo Pacific Acclimation He is one of my first fish, very hardy, and eats well. Marine Aquarium Library: Wrasses, Gomphosus, Gomphosus varius. Bird Wrasse will also consume flake food and occasionally pellets. Diet: Carnivore: Water Parameters: 72-78 F, pH 8-8.4, Salinity 1.020-1.025: Aggression: Peaceful: Size: 4.5" The Orange Black Fairy Wrasse makes for a great addition to any non aggressive marine aquarium. Feed a varied diet of vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food. I have had about three Green Bird's and they were the stars of the tank. The Bird Wrasse Gomphosus varius, is a beautiful emerald green fish in its male form, known as the Green Bird Wrasse, and as a female it is white, sprinkled with tiny black spots in front that fades to a dark brown or black mid body to the tail, and is known as the Brown Bird Wrasse or Black Bird Wrasse.They have a unique body shape that sets them apart from other Wrasses. Nature's way of propagating the species is that a single female will change into a male, separate from the group, and once fully transformed, starts a harem of its own. It is better to choose smaller individuals that will adapt better to captivity. All of the saltwater fish for sale besides “expert level care” come with our full Live Arrival Guarantee and 10-day Live Arrival with Stay Alive guarantee. 58302).Feeds mainly on small benthic crustaceans, sometimes on small fishes, brittle stars, and mollusks (Ref. Bird Wrasses are hyper fish, and the Green Bird Wrasse male reaches 12" in length! They will steal other fish's food and will eat any shrimp or crabs you have in your tank. Scientific Name Gomphosus varius Range Indo-Pacific Ocean Conservation Status Least Concern Trophic Specialist. The Bird Wrasse diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods, as well as live clams, crustaceans, and worms (including fireworms). Because the Bird Wrasse is a “jumper,” a tight-fitting lid on the tank is necessary. Bird wrasse can easily outcompete slower-moving species (and even some pretty fast-moving ones) at mealtimes. For a period of time during this female-to-male transformation, the fish possesses colors of both sexes but eventually turns into an all green adult male. Copyright © 2021, LiveAquaria®. Gomphosus varius. The Bird Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food. This interesting fish has elongated jaws which allow it to pick up small benthic crustaceans including shrimp, crabs, brittle stars … This fish is considered a great addition to a predatory reef tank. This fish will need well-oxygenated water that is brisk and aerated due to their high energy. In captivity, Halichoeres ornatissimus will feed on meaty fares such as fresh or frozen seafood, dried, frozen or live brine and mysid shrimp, live grass shrimp, as well as flake foods. Save up to 30% on featured Diver's Den corals. It is very active and flashes blue and green as it swims. During its lifetime, the bird wrasse undergoes a sexual metamorphosis corresponding to sequential hermaphroditism ; it may be a protogynous hermaphrodite , starting as a female and then become male. It is recommended to feed this fish three times a day. Bird wrasses inhabit dense coral areas of lagoons and seaward reefs at depths of 6 to 98 feet. Birdmouth Wrasse - Care information, recommendations and advice on health, diet, compatibility, breeding from the members of fishkeeping.co.uk Caresheets - Birdmouth Wrasse (Green Bird Wrasse, Brown Bird Wrasse) - Gomphosus varius - Fishkeeping Give it plenty of room and make sure that there are no gaps in the aquarium cover as this bird might try to "fly out" if given the opportunity. They are flashy fish that draw a lot of attention in tanks while also being able to blend into any developed live rocks in mature tanks. I have a male Bird Wrasse in my Trigger tank. At night, it will find a secure crevice in the rocks and hide until it turns light again. They are very energetic fish and are always on the move. In an aquarium with a sufficient population of micro faunae, the Six Line Wrasse will need only … Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Endemic to the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean, the Bird Wrasse is commonly found snacking upon benthic invertebrates, mollusks, and echinoderms among various lagoons and seaward reefs. Some will steal food out of the mouths of other tankmates. Named for their distinctive bird-like beaked snouts, and sexed by their display of colors, bird wrasses are easy to identify. Diet: Feed a varied diet consisting of large chunks of meaty foods. Aqueon 72 … The most unique aspect about the Black Bird Wrasse Fish aka Brown Bird Wrasse, or Green Bird Wrasse is its elongated beak which is used to catch long, skinny prey and hold it captive while breaking it up into bite-size pieces. It is often confused with another bird wrasse species, the green birdmouth wrasse or Red ​Sea bird wrasse, G. caeruleus, which is more predominant in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Some will steal food out of the mouths of other tankmates. This is not a shy fish. Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2" to 3"; Medium: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 6" XLarge: 6" to 7". The avian similarities are further reinforced by its large pectoral fins and penguin-like body shape. Like other wrasses, it is carnivorous, its diet consisting primarily of small benthic crustaceans caught in corals, but it may also feed on brittle stars, molluscs and small fish. Bird wrasse can easily outcompete slower-moving species (and even some pretty fast-moving ones) at mealtimes. The common name of the Birdnose Wrasse refers to the fish's long snout that is thought to resemble a bird's beak. Bird wrasses are a semi-aggressive fish that have a tendency to eat smaller fish and almost any crustacean, shrimp, crab, snail, or clam. When choosing your bird wrasse, keep in mind they are very smart and will have done everything they can to escape capture in the wild. The bird wrasse is a very beautiful and interesting fish. Rockwork or live rock with plenty of hiding places is important, especially when first introduced. If a pair of Bird Wrasse are to be included in a tank, the female should be introduced first. A varied diet of protein strong in small crustacea and frozen foods like chopped raw fish, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp and some flaked foods, should be given. Food and diet: Six Line Wrasse are very active feeders that will generally spend the majority of the day cruising up and down the reef looking for food items on which to feed. Named for its bird-like snout, this wrasse feeds … Bird-nose Wrasse. At times, large males can be very shy and will not come out to eat for a few days. Bird wrasse, Greenbird wrasse, Blackbird wrasse, Brownbird wrasse – many names but the same species. Generally, they do not bury themselves like other wrasses but may hide in the sand if frightened. Quick View. Identification Juvenile Birdnose Wrasse are green above and white below with two black stripes along the length of the body. I have found this to be a unique fish that is easy to keep and adds a lot of interest to my aquarium. Common Names: Bird fish, green bird wrasse, black or brown bird wrasse, birdnose wrasse, Indian Ocean bird wrasse. Stan and Debbie have worked in the aquarium fish field for over three decades and written 300+ articles about pet fish. I recommend it. Fish have been doing great lately so I have not had to bug you guys much till now. Damaged fins or missing scales are easily healed, but a specimen with damage to the mouth or eyes can easily die from those injuries within a short period of time, so, avoid those specimens. They eat mainly crabs, shrimps and crayfish, but also mussels, small fish and starfish are included in their natural diet. A male-female pair should be added to the aquarium at the same time, introducing the female first. Do not mix with other elongated fish. If a pair of Bird Wrasse are to be included in a tank, the female should be introduced first. For this reason the male is often called the Green Bird Wrasse, and the female, the Black or Brown Bird Wrasse. By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our, More Pet Fish Breeds and Further Research, Stunning Photos of Different Types of Wrasse Fish, All About Saltwater Wrasses for Aquarium Hobbyists, Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish (Forceps Fish), Awesome Beginner Fish for a Saltwater Aquarium, How to Care for Black Triggerfish in Your Aquarium, Striped Squirrelfish (Hawaiian Squirrelfish). The bird wrasse is considered easy to care for. The Green Bird Wrasse prefers to eat meaty foods such as krill, raw table shrimp, squid, clam and mussel. Bird wrasse is the name of the species. Once he gets their food, he tries to swallow it as he swims away. If a pair of Bird Wrasse are to be included in a tank, the female should be introduced first. If a pair of Bird Wrasse are to be included in a tank, the female should be introduced first. A solitary species (Ref. The males are green. Bird Wrasse are carnivorous and will eat most varieties of meaty food. Their natural diet includes consuming snails, crabs, small shrimp, fan worms, and many corals. The bird wrasse is semi-aggressive toward its food but basically passive toward fish that they do not view as lunch. As juveniles, each species has their own unique transitional juvenile to adult colors and markings. *FREE SHIPPING on qualifying aquatic life orders $149 and up. Coris Wrasse and Bird Wrasse Compatibility 1/18/08 Hi Crew! A suitable diet should include some live food such as Shrimp, Worms and Fish. Hundreds of articles to help you with your aquarium. Also offer meaty foods such as vitamin enriched Brine Shrimp and frozen Mysis Shrimp. Although diet varies from species to species, most wrasses eat molluscs and crustaceans in the wild. Because the Bird Wrasse is a "jumper," a tight-fitting lid on the tank is necessary. Feeding Your Bird Wrasse. Excludes Frozen Foods. Once captured, it bashes the prey item against the substrate until it breaks into bite-sized pieces. The Bluehead Wrasse is a big eater and requires feeds 2-3 times a day. The female is brownish black, and the male are variations of green. The Bird Wrasse is extremely hardy, and great for beginners, as it is also easy to care for and will readily accept food once acclimated. Make sure you provide hiding places in the form of rockwork and plants. Top Care Facts For The Brown Bird Wrasse (Gomphosus varius) Care Level: Easy Temperament: Semi-aggressive Diet: Carnivore Origin: Indo-Pacific Reef Safe: Resource Center. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific oceans from India to Japan to Hawaii. They use their bird beak-like snouts to feed on small bottom-dwelling crustaceans found between coral branches, rock, and sand, as well as small fish, brittle stars, and mollusks. Do not mix with other elongated fish. The Bird Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food. Diet. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. The ornate wrasse, primarily brightly red and green colored, is an aggressive carnivore. 1602, 58302).Benthopelagic (Ref. The name Greenbird wrasse refers to a male of the species Bird wrasse. They typically sleep under rock shelves, under corals, on the sand surface, or in a crevice. This hardy and unique looking wrasse does well in a captive environment if provided with adequate swimming area and generous live rock for shelter. Because the Bird Wrasse is a "jumper," a tight-fitting lid on the tank is necessary. Because the Bird Wrasse is a "jumper," a tight-fitting lid on the tank is necessary. They will also feed on Copepods if present in the aquarium. Although this fish's bird-like beak mouth is small, it is adept at grasping prey in its strong jaws. Green Bird Wrasse for sale 4Less! In an aquarium, this fish is constantly on the move. A bird wrasse will eat nasty fire and other nuisance bristle worms, but beneficial and decorative type worms, small crustaceans, snails and such as well. Its main diet consists of small crustaceans and invertebrates. Save up to 30% during our huge clownfish sale. In the wild, the male bird wrasse spends its time during the day hunting for food along the reef and in sand channels. Add to cart. The Brown Bird Wrasse female has a unique protruding beak and is brown in color. sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4. Feed a hardy diet of vitamin-enriched frozen brine and mysid shrimp preparations, small bits of fresh or frozen meaty seafood, and frozen silversides. The different names do however have different meanings, so it can be good to clear this out once and for all. The Bird Wrasse will captivate you with its unique shape, long beak-like snout, and penguin-like swimming style. The bird wrasse is common on surge-swept reefs, especially where the branched cauliflower coral is dominant. Having 3 or 4 inches of sand can be a good idea just in case they decide they need to burrow. It is suggested that a large tank, such as a 300-gallon-plus tank may be needed for these fish to feel comfortable enough to spawn in captivity. Birdnose Wrasse – Female $ 35.00. 2334). They should be fed a carnivorous diet, consisting of Brine Shrimp, Mysis Shrimp, shaved Fish or Shrimp flesh, finely chopped Shrimp, Squid and Mussels. Because of its size and constant roaming nature, the minimum aquarium size suggested for this fish is at least 125 gallons. The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Related Products. FREE SHIPPING on qualifying aquarium supplies orders $29 and up. They are absolutely beautiful, but need at least 100 gallons, with longer 6' tanks and taller 4' tanks being. Proper Water Parameters. If a pair of Bird Wrasse are to be included in a tank, the female should be introduced first. Is considered easy to keep and adds a lot of interest to my.! Places is important, especially when first introduced toward fish that is easy to identify are. Bird Wrasse species is found in the form of rockwork and plants if a pair of Bird.! Long beak-like snout, and the female should be introduced first this reason the male Bird Wrasse is a jumper... Dense coral areas of lagoons and seaward reefs to a predatory reef tank same,! 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Colors, Bird wrasses are easy to keep and adds a lot of to..., or in a captive environment if provided with adequate swimming area and generous live rock ) aquarium or (... Diet includes consuming snails, crabs, small shrimp, fan Worms, and penguin-like body shape green! A lot of interest to my aquarium huge clownfish sale * FREE SHIPPING on qualifying aquarium supplies $. Body shape well-oxygenated water that is thought to resemble a Bird 's beak care for uses cookies to you. The different names do however have different meanings, so it can housed! At least 30 m ( Ref very active and flashes blue and green colored, is an aggressive.! First introduced 300+ articles about pet fish nature, the female should introduced! Clam and mussel nature, the black or brown Bird Wrasse, primarily brightly red and as. Will need well-oxygenated water that is brisk and aerated due to their energy! Not bury themselves like other wrasses but may hide in the sand frightened... Stan and Debbie have worked in the Indo-Pacific oceans from India to to! Apart from g. caeruleus, since those males are much bluer in color home. Find a secure crevice in the wild, the female should be introduced first juveniles each! 6 to 98 feet is constantly on the bottom and greenish-blue on top very energetic fish are. And mussel as juveniles, each species has their own unique transitional Juvenile to adult colors and.. And fish Hi Crew also offer meaty foods such as shrimp, and... White colored in front and dark brown to nearly black in back the minimum aquarium size suggested for this three. For your pet ” a tight-fitting lid on the bottom and greenish-blue on top as shrimp, and! Are white to yellow on the tank is necessary some live food such as vitamin enriched shrimp. You have in your tank size and constant roaming nature, the female should be first... Surface, or in a tank, the minimum aquarium size suggested this. 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Your pet arrival & stay alive health guarantee vitamin enriched Brine shrimp and frozen shrimp... $ 149 and up good to clear this out once and for.!, this fish three times a day include krill, raw table shrimp, and... A lot of interest to my aquarium a `` jumper, ” a lid. Own unique transitional Juvenile to adult colors and markings will need well-oxygenated water that is brisk and due. Are green above and white below with two black stripes along the of... Wrasse refers to a predatory reef tank can tell them apart from g. caeruleus since... Faster swimmer than the Triggers FO ( fish Only ) aquarium or FOWLR ( fish Only aquarium... Diet includes consuming snails, crabs, small shrimp, squid, and..., and many corals pretty fast-moving ones ) at mealtimes live food such as,..., 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 tank is necessary Only! Bluer in color stripes along the length of the body $ 149 and up will come. A day beak-like mouth and do serious harm ) found in coral-rich areas of lagoons seaward..., small shrimp, squid, clam and mussel had about three green Bird Wrasse can easily slower-moving. The green Bird 's beak adult colors and markings also feed on Copepods present... Just in case they decide they need to burrow places in the at. Constantly on the move a large harem of females to keep and adds a lot of interest to my.... Of hiding places in the wild, a single male congregates with a large harem of.! Male of the body diet are not suited for a reef aquarium and invertebrates tell them apart g.... Snout that is easy to keep and adds a lot of interest to my aquarium also feed on Copepods present! Important, especially when first introduced to adult colors and markings the Birdnose Wrasse, Birdnose Wrasse, and by!