Birdmouth Wrasse (Gomphosus caeruleus)

The Birdmouth Wrasse or Gomphosus caeruleus gets its name from its elongated snout which resembles that of a bird. As you can imagine this bizarre appearance along side their constant moment in an aquarium makes them a favorite pet. Many people also say that this fish looks and swims just like a dolphin which adds to their appeal.

This saltwater fish is sometimes known as the Green Birdmouth Wrasse, and is one of the over 400 different species of Wrasses in the Labridae family. This particular species is found in the Indo-Pacific and can grow to about 10" in length. Birdmouth Wrasse adult males are blueish green while females and younger males are brown.  You can check out this Wrasse in the video below...


In an aquarium the Birdmouth Wrasse should be fed a variety of foods including, mysis shrimp, krill, brineshrimp and some greens. They are considered to be peaceful, but their constant activity can annoy some cranky tankmates.  They require a rather large tank of at least 70 gallons.  

If you have any additional information about the Birdmouth Wrasse please leave us a comment below.

Blue Star Leopard Wrasse (Macropharyngodon bipartitus)

The Blue Star Leopard Wrasse or Macropharyngodon bipartitus is one of the over 500 different species of Wrasse Fish in the world. This particular species is from the Labridae family, and goes by a few different names including the Vermiculite Wrasse, and the Divided Wrasse.  These fish originate from Africa, and are quite small, only growing to about 5" in maximum length.  

As you can see, they are brilliantly colored with yellows, oranges, browns and a series of light blue spots that cover its body. Their distinct coloration makes them a favorite pet for an aquarium. If you are considering buying a Blue Star Leopard Wrasse for your tank you should know that they thrive under the following water conditions, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 and sg 1.020-1.025. These saltwater fish are not very easy to care for, and require an aquarium of about 60 gallons or more. They are carnivores that should be fed brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, pellet food, flake food and other meaty preparations.  You can check out a Blue Star Leopard Wrasse in an aquarium in the video below...

If you have any additional information about Blue Star Leopard Wrasse including care tips please leave us a comment.

Red Diana Hogfish (Bodianus diana)

The Red Diana Hogfish or Bodianus diana is an odd looking fish that can be kept in an aquarium setting, but can be rather aggressive, and should not be housed with docile fish. They have a red body with white spots and white lines on their faces. Their tails and fins have black spots that could almost be considered a series of eye spots. All this makes for one beautiful fish! You can check out a young Red Diana Hogfish underwater in the video below...

Red Diana Hogfish go by a few different names including the Spotted Hogfish and Diana Hogfish and are just one of the many different species of Hogfish. These saltwater fish are from the Labridae family and are not particular large, only growing to about 10" in length. They originate from the Indo-Pacific, but have since become quite popular as pets. When they are young they are often seen picking parasites off of larger fish. As you can see in the picture below their coloration changes quite a bit as they mature.

If you are thinking of keeping the Red Diana Hogfish in your aquarium you should note that they are not reef compatible, and require the following water conditions in a tank of 60 gallons or more, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 and sg 1.020-1.025. These fish are carnivores that require a meaty diet including small feeder fish, worms, mussels and snails. As with many other species of fish, providing plenty of hiding spots keeps this fish happy and healthy.

Lyretail Hogfish (Bodianus anthioides)

The Lyretail Hogfish or Bodianus anthioides looks like someone took two complete different fish and put them together. The front of this fish looks much like the standard Goldfish with its red and orange face. Take a look at the back of this fish though and you will see an amazing display of white and red with polka dots.

This saltwater Hogfish from the Labridae family can grow to about 8" in maximum length. This combine with the fact that they can be aggressive towards others in the aquarium make an aquarium of no less than 75 gallons acceptable. The Lyretail Hogfish should be provided plenty of hiding spaces as well. This will help keep them from becoming overly aggressive. Water temperatures of 72-78° F with a sg of 1.020-1.025 and a PH level of 8.1-8.4 is recommended. When young these fish will simply munch on parasites on its tank mates. After it becomes larger it should be fed meaty foods such as snails, worms, mussels, and small fish. In the wild this fish has the unique ability of blowing water onto the bottom sandy bottom to uncover its meal. It may even blow water over the sand to uncover food.