Dragon Wrasse

Dragon Wrasse: The Rockmover Architect

The Dragon Wrasse (Novaculichthys taeniourus), also widely known as the Rockmover Wrasse or Reindeer Wrasse (juvenile phase), is a captivating and dynamic species renowned for its dramatic change in appearance and its assertive personality. As a juvenile, this fish is strikingly patterned in greens, browns, and whites, with elongated dorsal fin rays that resemble "antlers"—hence the name Reindeer Wrasse. As it matures, it transforms into a robust, deep greenish-brown adult with a lighter head and intricate lines radiating from the eyes.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, the Dragon Wrasse is a powerful, active fish capable of reaching a maximum length of up to 12 inches (30 cm). Its common name, Rockmover Wrasse, is well-earned: this fish is a diligent and often destructive forager that systematically flips over rocks, rubble, and even small corals in search of prey. For this reason, a secure, stable rock structure is essential. Due to its size and energetic nature, a minimum aquarium size of 120 gallons is highly recommended.

Like many wrasses, the Dragon Wrasse is a known jumper, requiring a tight-fitting lid. It also requires a deep sand bed, at least 3-4 inches, as it buries itself in the substrate for protection and to sleep at night.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This wrasse is a dedicated Carnivore with a high metabolism. In the wild, it consumes a wide variety of small, benthic invertebrates such as snails, crabs, shrimp, worms, and brittle stars. In captivity, it must be fed a varied diet of meaty foods several times a day, including frozen mysis shrimp, krill, enriched brine shrimp, and chopped seafood like clam, mussel, and table shrimp.
• Rock-Moving Behavior: Hobbyists must ensure all live rock is placed directly on the bottom glass before adding any sand to prevent the fish from undermining the structure and causing a rock slide. This fish can be highly entertaining to watch as it forages.
• Reef Compatibility: It is NOT Reef Safe. The Dragon Wrasse will actively hunt and consume virtually all ornamental and cleanup-crew invertebrates (snails, shrimp, crabs, and sea stars). Furthermore, its habit of flipping rocks and coral rubble makes it unsuitable for maintaining a pristine reef environment. It is best suited for a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) system.
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Assertive. While juveniles are generally docile, adults can be assertive and territorial. They should only be housed with similarly sized, robust, and moderately aggressive tankmates such as large Tangs, Triggerfish, Groupers, and marine Angels. It is best kept singly, as it may become aggressive towards other wrasses or its own species.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Novaculichthys taeniourus
• Primary Common Name: Dragon Wrasse
• Other Common Names: Rockmover Wrasse, Reindeer Wrasse, Striped Wrasse
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 12 inches (30 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Assertive (Highly Active Rockmover)
• Diet: Carnivore (Feeds on motile invertebrates)
• Minimum Tank Size: 120+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: No (Predatory and destructive)