Pencil Wrasse

(Pseudojuloides cerasinus)

Pseudojuloides Wrasse should be added to a well established aquarium with plenty of swimroom. Provide plenty of rockwork with caves and crevices for hiding. A deep sandy bottom should also be provided as Pseudojuloides Wrasse are burrowers, they bury themselves in the sand at night and if they are frightened. Pseudojuloides can be kept with other peaceful tank mates. Pseudojuloides Wrasse may not eat readily when first introduced to the aquarium. If seeing an unwilliness to eat add fortified live mysis or Brine shrimp to their carnivorous diet, fed multiple times daily. Pseudojuloides are not reef safe and will prey on hard shelled invertebrates. May see male and female color differences. Wrasse are hermaphrodites meaning they start as juveniles/females but at some point in their life may turn into a male. Provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid as they may jump.

The Pencil Wrasse are also sometimes known as the Smalltail Pencil Wrasse. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. Coloration may vary depending upon maturity and collection area. Males are an overall green color with pink and a horizontal stripe. Females are more subdued with an overall red to pink color. Pencil Wrasse can grow to a little over 5".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 75 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