Blue Nose Pencil Wrasse (Pseudojuloides Kaleidos) Male

Species Name : Pseudojuloides Kaleidos

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Green, Pink, Blue

Diet : Omnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 3.9 inches

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family :  Labridae

Minimum Tank Size : 50 gallons

Blue Nose Pencil Wrasse (Pseudojuloides Kaleidos) is a beautiful species native to the Indian Ocean. Pseudojuloides Kaleidos, whose name in English means "beautiful form", is a truly magnificent and rather rare species that is as worthy as any fabulous wrasse. 

These magnificent Pencil Wrasse are only infrequently available in the aquarium industry making them one of the lesser known species among hobbyists. 

The Kaleidos Pencil Wrasse boast a blue nose with green head while their top, or dorsal side is pink from above the eye to the tail. A dark band starts behind the green head to the tail where it fades out. The bottom half colour of the fish is variation of light teal to green in colour. Females are uniformly orange-pink, fading to a lighter shade below.

For best care, the Kaleidos Pencil Wrasse should be housed in an established, well-filtered aquarium. It is a jumper, so a secure lid on the aquarium is required.

Tank mates, especially existing tank mates, need to be critically assessed ahead of time and chosen wisely as Pencil Wrasse will not fare well with established bullies and potentially aggressive fish such as Tangs, Triggers, Groupers, Damsels, Maroon Clownfish, etc.

The Pseudojuloides Kaleidos may be very difficult to keep in an aquarium due to its feeding habits. When first introduced into the aquarium, live feeder brineshrimp or mysis shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. It eats very small invertebrates (amphiopods) that grow on live rock. The diet should also include live, small feeder shrimps (brine, mysid) and finely chopped marine meats.