Broomtail Wrasse (Cheilinus lunulatus) Saltwater Fish For Sale

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Broomtail Wrasse
Cheilinus lunulatus

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Tank Size: 240 Gallons
Tempermant: Aggressive
Maximum Size: 20"
Coloration: Blue, Green, Yellow, Purple
Diet: Carnivore
Regions Found: Red Sea
Reef Compatible: No
Experience Level: Intermediate
Guarantee: Live Guarantee Available
Water Conditions: 74-82° F, SG 1.020-1.027, PH 7.9-8.5
Other Names: Broom Tail Wrasse

Description
The Broomtail Wrasse, scientifically known as Cheilinus lunulatus, is a large and striking fish native to the Western Indian Ocean, particularly the Red Sea to the Gulf of Oman. Its common name is derived from the distinctive fringed or broom-like caudal fin of the adult male. This species exhibits a dramatic change in coloration and pattern from juvenile to adult. Juveniles are typically olive-colored with muted stripes, while adult males boast a bright green head with pink or yellow spots, a thick white or greenish-yellow band behind the gill plate, and a navy-blue to black posterior. They are found in coral reefs, reef slopes, rubble, sand, and seagrass habitats, at depths of about 2 to 30 meters. In the wild, they are carnivores, with a diet that primarily consists of hard-shelled invertebrates like mollusks, crabs, sea urchins, and shrimp.

Keeping the Broomtail Wrasse in a home aquarium is a significant undertaking, mainly due to its formidable adult size, which can reach up to 20 inches (50 cm) in the wild, though they may be slightly smaller in captivity (around 12-15 inches). This substantial size necessitates a very large aquarium, with a minimum recommended size of 300 gallons, although some experts suggest even larger tanks. As a large and semi-aggressive predator, the Broomtail Wrasse is not considered reef-safe and is best suited for a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) setup. They will readily consume smaller fish, as well as most ornamental invertebrates, including crabs, shrimp, snails, and sea stars.

The aquarium environment for the Broomtail Wrasse should be well-established, offering plenty of open swimming space as well as ample rockwork, caves, and crevices for security and sleeping. They have a known habit of moving rocks and sand in search of food, so all rock structures must be securely placed on the tank bottom to prevent collapses. They are known for their intelligence and captivating foraging behavior. Their diet in captivity should be varied and carnivorous, consisting of high-quality frozen and prepared meaty foods such as shrimp, fish flesh, and crustaceans. A unique feeding habit is that they may consume a large amount of food at once and then not eat again for a day or two. Due to their territorial and aggressive nature toward similar-looking or smaller species, it is strongly advised to keep only one Broomtail Wrasse per aquarium.

Tiny: Up to 2", Small: Over 2-2.5", Small / Medium: Over 2.5-3.5", Medium: Over 3.5-4.5", Medium / Large: Over 4.5-5.5", Large: Over 5.5-6.5", Extra Large: Over 6.5-7.5", Extra Extra Large: Over 7.5-8.5", Show Size: Over 8.5-10.5", Jumbo: Over 10.5"

All fish purchases come with a package of Blue Life Safety Stop to help reduce infections and illnesses that could present themselves. Please read more about Safety Stop here…

If you have any questions please contact Eric Cohen TankStop owner and well respected industry veteran.

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