Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella Nigropinnata)

The Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella nigropinnata) is a small, cryptic marine species featuring a deep reddish-brown coloration accented by two distinct vertical yellow bands and conspicuous eyespots. Its diminutive size and peaceful demeanor make it an outstanding addition to quiet community marine setups and nano aquariums.

This reef-safe carnivore thrives in established systems rich in live rock caves and crevices, where it actively grazes on micro-crustaceans and accepts fine meaty foods. Due to its timid disposition and jumping tendencies, it requires gentle tankmates and a secure, tight-fitting aquarium lid.

Key Features

Highlights

• Diet: The Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse is a carnivore, feeding primarily on small benthic invertebrates such as tiny crustaceans and worms in the wild. In captivity, it requires a varied diet of fine, meaty frozen foods offered several times a day to sustain its high metabolism. Suitable options include nutritionally-enriched mysis shrimp, copepods, cyclops, and finely chopped clam or shrimp. It is beneficial to house this wrasse in a well-established aquarium with a natural supply of live copepods and amphipods, which it will actively hunt among the rockwork.
• Feeding: Due to its shy nature, ensure the fish receives adequate food and is not outcompeted by more aggressive or fast-feeding tankmates.
• Reef Compatibility: This species is reef safe. The Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse does not bother corals or anemones. Its small mouth and diet mean it generally leaves ornamental shrimp and snails alone, though very tiny, prized micro-invertebrates may be at risk.
• Temperament: This species is exceptionally peaceful and timid. It should only be housed with similarly small and peaceful tankmates, such as small gobies, cardinalfish, and small blennies. It is easily stressed by aggressive or overly active fish, which can cause it to hide. It can be kept singly or in a male-female pair or harem in larger tanks, provided all are introduced simultaneously.
• Sleeping Habit: Unlike some other wrasse genera, Wetmorella wrasses do not require a deep sand bed to sleep. They seek shelter in rock crevices or caves at night.

Compatibility

Compatible with peaceful, small marine species like gobies, cardinalfish, and small blennies. Completely safe with corals and anemones. Avoid housing with aggressive, fast-swimming, or boisterous fish.

How to use

Introduce to a well-established aquarium with abundant live rock and caves. Keep with peaceful tankmates, feed fine meaty foods multiple times daily, and ensure a tight-fitting lid is installed to prevent jumping.

Important Fulfillment Information

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