Broom Tail Wrasse

Broom Tail Wrasse

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cheilinus lunulatus

Overview

Reef Compatible: No
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Docile
Origin: Africa/Red Sea 

The broomtail wrasse (Cheilinus lunulatus) is a captivating species native to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Here are some interesting details about it:

• Appearance: In males, the head is large and bright green, adorned with small spots. The lips are blue, and the pectoral fins are yellow. The body transitions from yellow-green in the middle to dark purple elsewhere. Notably, it has a long, fringed caudal fin that resembles an old broom or the tail of a crowntail betta. Females and juveniles display large, dark stripes on their flanks.

• Size: On average, it reaches about 35 cm (14 inches) in length, with males occasionally growing up to 50 cm (20 inches).

• Habitat: Broomtail wrasses inhabit coral reefs and adjacent sand and seagrass habitats, typically at depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters (6.6 to 98.4 feet).

• Diet: They primarily feed on mollusks and hard-shelled invertebrates.

• Distinctive Marking: Close to the operculum (gill cover), you’ll find a bright-yellow marking against a black background.

Fun fact: The crescent moon-shaped markings on its tail give it the common name “broomtail wrasse”!