Snooty Wrasse

(Cheilinus oxycephalus)

Add Cheilinus Wrasse to well established aquariums with plenty of open swim space. Provide ample rock work with caves and crevices for sleeping. Cheilinus Wrasse can be quite territorial and will pick at and consume crustaceans, feather dusters, seastars and small fish. If Cheilinus Wrasse are not readily consuming a carnivorous rich diet provide live Brine, Glass/Grass shrimp or feeder fish to entice a feeding response. Cheilinus Wrasse will consume large amounts of food at one time and then won't eat for a few days after. Only one Cheilinus Wrasse per aquarium is recommended. Wrasse are hermaphrodites meaning they start as juveniles/females but at some point in their life may turn into a male. Wrasse are known to jump provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid.

The Snooty Wrasse is also known as the Plain Faced Maori Wrasse. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. Snooty Wrasse are quite lovely with a red to brown body, white spots and black spots on the front of its dorsal fin. Their color may change slightlyly depend on region of collection. Snooty Wrasse can grow up to 8".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 150 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareEasyEasy CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietLive FoodLive Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef HabitatSand FlatSand Flat
  • Light: LightMediumMedium