Finspot wrasse

Finspot wrasse (Xenojulis margaritacea) is a small, peaceful Western Pacific wrasse that spends its days picking tiny invertebrates from macroalgae and rubble, then vanishes into the sand to sleep. Males show a burgundy body with green head striping and little fin spots. Adults reach about 10 cm SL (around 4 inches) and live 5-8 years with steady care.

Origin and natural habitat

Native to the Western Pacific, the Finspot wrasse cruises shallow weedy and rubble zones where macroalgae and broken coral pieces host small benthic invertebrates. It is an active daytime forager and relies on a sand bed for quick dives at lights-out and whenever startled.

Aquarium setup and water conditions

Give this wrasse room to cruise and a safe place to sleep. A 50-gallon tank or larger with open sand flats, scattered rubble or rock for picking, and patches of macroalgae suits its routine. The sand bed should be deep and soft enough to allow full burial. Avoid sharp, coarse substrates that can abrade the fish when it dives.

• Temperature: 24-28 C
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Stable, reef-appropriate salinity and good oxygenation

Diet and feeding

In the wild it picks small benthic invertebrates from algae and rubble. In aquaria it accepts frozen meaty foods. Offer small items sized to its mouth and vary the menu to keep it eating well.

• Mysis shrimp and enriched brine shrimp
• Finely chopped marine meats (e.g., clam, shrimp)
• Frozen copepods and other tiny marine plankton

This is an active forager, so small, frequent feedings work better than a single large meal. In mixed communities, make sure it gets its share if faster feeders are present.

Behaviour and tankmates

Finspot wrasses are peaceful and spend most daylight hours cruising and picking. They bury in sand at night and when alarmed, so avoid keeping them in tanks without a suitable substrate.

They do well with other non-aggressive fish. Avoid large, boisterous, or predatory tankmates that may intimidate or outcompete them at feeding time. Because their natural diet is tiny invertebrates, very small ornamental crustaceans can be viewed as food.

Common problems and how to avoid them

• Jumping: Always use a tight lid; expect attempts during the first weeks.
• No sand bed: Without a deep, soft sand bed, this species becomes stressed and may refuse to settle at night.
• Feeding setbacks: Start with palatable frozen meaty foods and reduce competition so the wrasse can feed calmly.