Slingjaw Wrasse

(Epibulus insidiator)

Epibulus Wrasse is also known as the Slingjaw Wrasse. Add Epibulus Wrasse should be added to well established aquariums. Provide a large aquarium with ample rock work and plenty of swim room. Slingjaw's are quick and efficient predators ensure tank mates are able to feed. They have also been known to hunt in a group. Slingjaw Wrasse have been seen swimming to the surface of the water among floating plant debris. They have also been known to take on the color of the plant debris. Epibulus Wrasse Wrasse are hermaphrodites meaning they start as juveniles/females but at some point in their life may turn into a male. The males tend to be larger and display color differences. Be sure to provide a tight fitting lid as Wrasse tend to jump.

The Slingjaw Wrasse are sometimes also known as Jawslinger or Longjawed Wrasse. Rarely seen in the aquarium trade. Coloration will depend upon maturity, collection area, breeding period and may change slightlyly to match its surroundings. Juveniles are brown with thin white stripes, thin white stripes on their body with a yellow spot at the base of its dorsal fin. Subadults and females are either brown or yellow while males are usually a dark brown with green edges on its scales, gray head with a black stripe behind its eye. Some males may also have a yellow bar on their sides. Slingjaw Wrasse can grow up to almost 20".

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