Care
The Secretive Wrasse, as the name suggests, is a cryptic species known from seaward reef slopes at depths between 20-60m (66-197ft). This fish is generally solitary and is typically found amongst patches of rubble and branching corals, where it may be observed feeding on small, benthic invertebrates. The Secretive Wrasse makes a beautiful and fascinating addition to reef aquaria where no ornamental shrimp are present. The tank should be mature and furnished with plenty of living rock to provide feeding opportunities and shady hiding places. It is best to keep only one per tank, and not with any closely related species, as despite its general shyness the Secretive Wrasse will behave aggressively towards them. In XXL aquaria, groups of Secretive Wrasse may be kept together if added simultaneously when juvenile, and provided that there are plenty of visual barriers amongst the décor "“ but do observe carefully. Tankmates to avoid include species such as dottybacks, grammas, fairy/flasher/leopard wrasses, firefish etc as they tend to occupy the same niches as the Secretive Wrasse and it will show aggression towards them. Powerful filtration and circulation with a high level of oxygenation are a must, as are tight fitting coverslides on account of the Secretive Wrasse"™s ability to jump. Although these fish tend to be quite secretive, sitting quietly (and still) in front of the tank during the day/early evening should result in the observation of some very interesting natural behaviour as the fish actively dart in and out of the rockwork and corals, turning to look at you every now and then, their mesmerising eyes moving about and taking everything in with such curiosity. May also be seen on sale as the Disappearing Wrasse, Pinstripe Wrasse, or Striated Wrasse.
Feeding
Feed a variety of meaty foods in small amounts several times per day, including Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped krill/ cockle/ mussel/ prawns/ squid/ clam/ fish flesh etc, plus flake food.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
