Birdmouth Wrasse - Gomphosus caeruleus

Birdmouth Wrasse (Gomphosus caeruleus)

The Birdmouth Wrasse, Gomphosus caeruleus, is a large, active and unmistakable marine wrasse, recognised for its long bird-like snout, powerful swimming style and striking adult colouration. Also known as the Green Birdmouth Wrasse, Indian Bird Wrasse or Birdnose Wrasse, this species is a bold and highly energetic reef predator that is best suited to large, mature marine aquariums with robust tank mates. It is not a small peaceful reef wrasse, and its adult size, speed and feeding behaviour mean it should be planned carefully before purchase.

Common Name:
Birdmouth Wrasse, Green Birdmouth Wrasse, Indian Bird Wrasse, Birdnose Wrasse, Bird Wrasse.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Gomphosus caeruleus

Maximum Size:
Up to around 32 cm, making it a large and very active wrasse that needs substantial swimming space.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found across the Indian Ocean, including East Africa, South Africa, the Andaman Sea and surrounding reef regions. In the wild, Birdmouth Wrasse inhabit coral-rich lagoon reefs, seaward reefs and rocky reef areas. They are usually seen actively patrolling reef structures, using their long snout to search crevices and reef surfaces for small prey.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive to aggressive. Birdmouth Wrasse are active, confident and boisterous fish that can intimidate shy or delicate tank mates. They are best kept with other robust marine fish such as larger tangs, angels, triggers, puffers and similarly confident species. Avoid very small gobies, timid wrasses, firefish, pipefish, seahorses or delicate reef fish that may be stressed, outcompeted or viewed as prey.

Diet:
Carnivorous predator. In the wild, this species feeds on small invertebrates found around reef surfaces and crevices. In the aquarium, offer a varied meaty diet including frozen mysis shrimp, krill, chopped prawn, mussel, clam, squid, cockle, enriched brineshrimp and quality carnivore marine pellets. Larger specimens require regular, protein-rich feeding to maintain body condition and activity.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical minimum of around 600–800 litres is recommended for a single adult specimen, with larger aquariums strongly preferred. This species needs open swimming space, mature rockwork, caves, secure hiding areas and strong filtration to support its active feeding and movement.

Behaviour & Activity:
A fast, powerful daytime swimmer that spends much of its time patrolling the aquarium and inspecting rockwork for food. The long beak-like snout is used to reach into holes, cracks and crevices where smaller prey may hide. Birdmouth Wrasse are intelligent, active and highly visible once settled, but they can be disruptive in smaller or peaceful systems. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as large wrasses are strong jumpers when startled.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
Birdmouth Wrasse do not normally eat coral tissue, but they are not suitable for delicate invertebrate-focused reef systems. They may eat ornamental shrimp, small crabs, fan worms, small snails, tiny fish and other mobile invertebrates. They are best described as reef safe with caution because they can be kept around corals, but their predatory feeding behaviour makes them risky with many reef invertebrates.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best suited to experienced marine fishkeepers with large aquariums and robust tank mates. This species should not be purchased for small reef aquariums or peaceful community systems. Provide a secure lid, strong filtration, open swimming space and a varied meaty diet. Avoid mixing with very similar large wrasses unless the aquarium is extremely large and carefully planned. Juveniles may appear manageable when small, but this species becomes a large, fast and assertive adult.

Suitable for:
Experienced fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasionally available in the marine aquarium trade / Availability can vary depending on supplier, size, sex, colour phase and import season

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.