Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse (Diproctacanthus Xanthurus)
Sometimes this fish is out of stock, check with us before ordering: reefexclusive@gmail.com
Species Name : Diproctacanthus Xanthurus
Care Level : Moderate
Temperament : Peaceful
Color : White, Black, Yellow
Diet : Carnivore
Reef Compatible : No
Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size : 4 inches
Origin : Indo-West Pacific Ocean
Family : Labridae
Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons
The Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse (Diproctacanthus Xanthurus), is a species of wrasse native to coral reefs of the western Pacific Ocean.
Adults are white with a broad black midlateral stripe from the snout to the tail base, and another dark somewhat less distinct stripe below the dorsal-fin base, and a yellow tail. Small juveniles have three broad black stripes and a black tail. The lower stripe disappears with age and the tail becomes yellow. This species grows to a total length of 10 cm (3.9 in).
These pretty, striped fish are easy to keep, but a spacious aquarium is a necessity as they are active, powerful swimmers. You will need at least a 30 gallon aquarium with a tight fitting lid and plenty of live rock with plenty of good hiding places and a thick sandy substrate for this fast moving small fish. Ideally, there should also be clean, well oxygenated water incorporating areas of fast current.
Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasses are peaceful fish and shouldn't bother other fish in your tank. The Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse is not compatible with a reef tank. The juveniles "clean" parasites from other fishes, while the adults feed on coral polyps. It will feed on large and small polyped stony coral polyps. It has been reported to eat Aiptasia. This wrasse may even pick at zoanthid colonies.
They are carnivores and will eat meaty foods as well. Foods like mysis and brine shrimp, nori and algae sheets and high quality meaty frozen foods can be fed to a Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse to keep it happy and healthy. Feed small amounts 2 or 3 times per day.