Green Bird Wrasse

The Bird Wrasse Gomphosus varius, is a beautiful emerald green fish in its male form, known as the Green Bird Wrasse, and as a female it is white, sprinkled with tiny black spots in front that fades to a dark brown or black mid body to the tail, and is known as the Brown Bird Wrasse or Black Bird Wrasse. They have a unique body shape that sets them apart from other Wrasses. With a long beak like mouth, they can between branches of coral and tight cracks and crevices in the live rock, to find crabs, mollusks and other small inverts. The Bird Wrasse can reach a max size of 12″ and should be kept in a tank no less than 100 gallons if kept individually, and no less than 150 gallons if kept in a pair. They will do extremely well if purchased as a pair and are both beautiful and interesting to see side by side. Though if you have a large enough system, they can be kept in a large group, with one male to many females, and unless you are keeping a pair or a male with several females in a harem, eventually one (more dominant) female will turn into a male in time. They can also be kept in a community tank with other similar sized and temperament fish, but can be aggressive towards smaller peaceful fish. They are also aggressive eaters, and are not invert safe. The Bird Wrasse is also known for jumping, and extremely active swimming habits,  so it would be best kept in a longer tank  rather than taller tank, with a tight fitting lid, along with plenty of live rocks and caves.  The Bird Wrasse is extremely hardy, and great for beginners, as it is also easy to care for and will readily accept food once acclimated. They should be fed a carnivorous diet, consisting of  Brine Shrimp, Mysis Shrimp, shaved Fish or Shrimp flesh, finely chopped Shrimp, Squid and Mussels. They will also feed on Copepods if present in the aquarium. They will thrive in a temperature range of 72.0 to 83.0° F  and a pH of 8.1-8.4.