Bird Wrasse (Gomphosus varius)

Few fish in the hobby turn heads quite like the Bird Wrasse. With its dramatically elongated, beak-like snout and the way it propels itself through the water by flapping its pectoral fins in an almost wing-like motion, Gomphosus varius genuinely earns its common name. Males are a stunning teal to emerald green from snout to tail, while females wear a striking two-tone of dark brown-black on top and white below. Both phases are bold, active, and highly entertaining to keep. This is one of those rare fish that's as easy to care for as it is visually unique, making it a standout choice for larger FOWLR systems.

Why we love it

• One of the most visually distinctive wrasses in the hobby, with an unmistakable beak-like snout
• Males are brilliant emerald green; females offer striking two-tone contrast with bold personality to match
• Protogynous hermaphrodite: all fish are born female, and the dominant individual can transition to male, making pairs a fascinating long-term project
• Propels itself by flapping its pectoral fins rather than undulating, giving it a flight-like swimming style unlike any other wrasse
• Hardy, accepts a wide variety of meaty foods readily, and rarely refuses to eat once settled
• A natural hunter of nuisance crabs and other unwanted crustaceans in the rockwork

Suggested parameters

• Temperature: 23–26°C (72–78°F)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0
• Nitrate: Under 30 ppm in a stable system

Care and temperament

• Difficulty: Easy
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, particularly toward smaller fish and any motile invertebrates
• Reef safe: No. Will actively hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, small crabs, and other crustaceans. Will also target small, slender fish it can fit in its mouth. Best suited to FOWLR systems
• Minimum tank size: 125 gallons, with open swimming lanes being as important as raw volume

Diet

The Bird Wrasse is a straightforward, enthusiastic carnivore.

• Frozen mysis shrimp and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp
• Chopped clams, krill, squid, and other meaty marine preparations
• High-quality carnivore pellets as a supplement
• Soaking foods in a vitamin and fatty acid supplement is strongly recommended given this species' high metabolism
• Feed 2 to 3 times per day; small, regular offerings suit its active lifestyle and fast metabolic rate

Compatibility and tankmates

• Best kept with bold, assertive tankmates that are too large to be considered prey: larger angelfish, tangs, triggerfish, pufferfish, and lionfish are all good candidates
• Will eat ornamental shrimp, small crabs, hermit crabs, and other motile invertebrates without hesitation
• Small or slender fish are at risk; avoid pairing with gobies, dartfish, small wrasses, or similarly sized peaceful species
• If keeping a male-female pair, introduce the female first, or add both simultaneously to reduce aggression during establishment
• Can be kept as one male with multiple females in a large enough system; the dominant female will naturally transition to male if the male is absent

Health and acclimation notes

The Bird Wrasse is one of the hardier wrasses and typically transitions onto frozen foods without much persuasion. Unlike many wrasse species, it does not bury itself in sand to sleep, so substrate type and depth are not a concern. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as this species is a known and capable jumper. Because it is active throughout the water column and bold at feeding time, ensure that any more passive tankmates can compete for food. Quarantine is always recommended before introduction into an established system.

What you are buying

• You will receive: 1 Bird Wrasse (Gomphosus varius) in your choice of male or female
• Males are vivid teal to emerald green; females are dark brown-black dorsally with a white ventral half
• Colouring intensity can vary between individuals and by region of origin
• Size and exact patterning may vary; please see our size options at checkout