Red Breasted Wrasse

Red Breasted Wrasse

Cheilinus fasciatus

Bring bold colour and natural character to your marine aquarium with the Red Breasted Wrasse. Its contrasting pale vertical bands, reddish-brown body and vibrant orange-red chest create a striking appearance, making it a beautiful focal point in a spacious marine display.

Often seen exploring rockwork and searching for food, this impressive wrasse adds movement and interest to the aquarium. Although it grows into a substantial fish, it can be shy when first introduced and benefits from sheltered retreats where it can settle comfortably. Provide plenty of open swimming space alongside securely arranged rockwork, caves and crevices.

The Red Breasted Wrasse is a carnivore and should receive a varied diet of marine meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, clam and suitably sized prepared foods. Its natural appetite for invertebrates makes it best suited to a fish-only aquarium with carefully selected tankmates. Ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails and other small invertebrates may become food.

With its distinctive markings and impressive adult size, this species is an appealing choice for aquarists who can provide a large, established marine system and accommodate its long-term needs.

Care at a Glance

• Adult size: Approximately 40 cm.

• Aquarium: Large, established marine aquarium with generous swimming space.

• Aquascaping: Secure rockwork with caves and sheltered resting areas.

• Diet: Carnivore; offer a varied selection of marine meaty foods.

• Compatibility: Keep with suitably sized, non-bullying tankmates. Avoid tiny fish and ornamental crustaceans.

• Reef suitability: Best suited to a fish-only display due to its appetite for invertebrates.

Please note: Colour and markings vary with age and between individuals. Allow room for adult growth when choosing this species for your aquarium.