Description

About the Tubelip Wrasse (Labrichthys unilineatus)

The Tubelip Wrasse is a distinctive and active fish featuring a streamlined body with a characteristic horizontal stripe and unique tubular lips. This energetic wrasse is known for its constant activity and interesting feeding behavior. IMPORTANT: This species is NOT reef-safe and will eat SPS coral polyps and tissue. They are best suited for fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) systems where their active personality and pest-control abilities can be appreciated without risk to corals.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 190 litres (50 gallons) due to active swimming behavior
• Diet: Carnivorous - requires meaty foods including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood. Will hunt small crustaceans and unfortunately eat SPS coral polyps
• Water Parameters: Temperature 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025
• Substrate: Requires sand bed (5-8cm deep) for burrowing at night
• Experience Level: Intermediate - hardy but NOT suitable for reef tanks

Tank Compatibility

Peaceful toward fish but NOT REEF-SAFE. Compatible with most peaceful to semi-aggressive fish species. May show mild territorial behavior toward other wrasses. Best kept singly. Will hunt small crustaceans including ornamental shrimp and small crabs. WARNING: Will eat SPS coral polyps and tissue - not suitable for SPS reef tanks. May also nip at LPS corals and clam mantles. Best for FOWLR systems or tanks without SPS corals. Excellent for controlling bristleworms and other small pests in non-reef setups.

Fun Facts

• Possess unique tubular lips adapted for picking at coral polyps and small invertebrates
• Very active swimmers, constantly exploring the aquarium
• Burrow into sand at night for sleeping
• Can change color intensity based on mood
• Despite coral-eating behavior, they're peaceful toward other fish
• May jump when startled - secure lid recommended

Special Care Tips

• REEF COMPATIBILITY: NOT REEF-SAFE - will eat SPS corals. Only suitable for FOWLR or fish-only systems
• Sand Bed: Provide 5-8cm of fine sand for burrowing - essential
• Secure Lid: Can jump, especially when new - tight-fitting lid required
• Tank Type: Best in fish-only or FOWLR setups without SPS corals
• Feeding: Feed 2-3 times daily with meaty foods
• Acclimation: May burrow for first 24 hours - normal behavior
• Invertebrate Caution: Will eat ornamental shrimp and small crabs
• Coral Warning: Keep away from all SPS corals and potentially LPS corals and clams

Please be aware that variations exist within species, so your item may not precisely resemble the provided image. The size range of individual specimens is approximate and may vary. Any extraordinary fish size will be explicitly specified.