Marine

Birdnose Wrasse

Name: Birdnose Wrasse
Brand: Apex Aquatic
Price: 90.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

$90.00

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Every fish passes through our dedicated quarantine system and strict biosecurity monitoring before sale - so it arrives healthy, settled and ready to thrive. How we quarantine →

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Description

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Shipping Allowed?

Tasmania	YES
Western Australia	YES
Northern Territory	NO
All Other States	YES

About Birdnose Wrasse

The Birdnose Wrasse is a striking and highly active marine fish recognised for its long, pointed beak-like snout, streamlined body and vibrant green, blue and yellow colouration. Its unusual appearance and constant activity make it an excellent feature fish for larger marine aquariums.

Birdnose Wrasses are powerful swimmers and spend much of their time cruising through the aquarium and exploring rockwork. They are intelligent and curious fish that quickly learn to recognise feeding routines.

They are generally hardy once established but can become aggressive towards smaller, passive fish and other wrasses, particularly in confined aquariums. Plenty of open swimming space and rockwork is important.

Birdnose Wrasses are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped seafood and quality marine pellets.

They are generally considered reef safe with corals, although their active hunting behaviour means very small ornamental crustaceans may be at risk.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Gomphosus varius
Common Name: Birdnose Wrasse / Bird Wrasse
Family: Labridae
Type: Marine Fish / Wrasse
Adult Size: Approximately 30 cm
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Care Level: Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 450 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Carnivore
Tank Level: All Levels
Reef Safe: Generally, with caution around small invertebrates
Suitable For: Large marine aquariums, reef systems and established fish communities

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Birdnose Wrasse get?

Birdnose Wrasses can reach approximately 30 cm, making them a substantial fish that requires plenty of swimming space.

Are Birdnose Wrasses reef safe?

They are generally reef safe with corals, but their predatory nature means small ornamental shrimp and other tiny crustaceans may be eaten.

What do Birdnose Wrasses eat?

They are carnivorous and readily accept mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood and quality marine pellets.

Can Birdnose Wrasses be kept with other wrasses?

They can be territorial towards other wrasses, particularly similar-sized or similarly shaped species. Careful selection of tank mates and sufficient aquarium space are important.

Do Birdnose Wrasses need a sand bed?

They don't rely on sand for sleeping in the same way as many Halichoeres wrasses. However, providing suitable rockwork and sheltered areas is important for security.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in an undersized aquarium
Birdnose Wrasses are active swimmers and can reach around 30 cm.

Not providing enough swimming space
Leave plenty of open water around the rockwork for natural cruising behaviour.

Keeping them with very small fish or shrimp
Their natural hunting behaviour can put small tank mates at risk.

Keeping incompatible wrasses together
Territorial behaviour can become significant between similar wrasse species.

Underfeeding
Active wrasses have high energy requirements and benefit from regular feeding.

Shipping & delivery

This product is for in-store purchase only. Available for in-store pickup.

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Returns

We stand behind everything we sell. If something is not right, get in touch and we will make it right. See our returns policy for the details.

Care & quarantine

This fish has been through our dedicated quarantine system and is feeding, settled and health-checked before sale. We still recommend acclimating slowly and quarantining new additions at home. Our team is happy to talk you through the right setup - just ask.

How we quarantine →