Brokenline Wrasse - Stethojulis interrupta

Brokenline Wrasse (Stethojulis interrupta)

The Brokenline Wrasse is an active and attractive marine wrasse known for its streamlined body, intricate markings and constant movement around the aquarium. Colouration and pattern can vary between sexes and maturity, with adults developing particularly striking markings. Best suited to established marine aquariums, this energetic species requires plenty of swimming space, secure rockwork and a soft sandy substrate for resting and refuge.

Common Name:
Brokenline Wrasse

Scientific Name (Latin):
Stethojulis interrupta

Maximum Size:
Approximately 13–15 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Brokenline Wrasse occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is typically associated with shallow coral reefs, reef flats, rubble areas and sandy zones.

It spends much of the day actively searching around rockwork and substrate for small invertebrate prey.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive

The Brokenline Wrasse is generally active and relatively peaceful towards unrelated fish, although it may show territorial behaviour towards similar wrasses.

It is best housed with confident but non-aggressive marine tankmates.

Diet:
Carnivore

The Brokenline Wrasse naturally feeds on small crustaceans, worms and other tiny reef-associated invertebrates.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped prawn, krill and quality marine pellets.

Several small meals throughout the day are beneficial due to its active feeding behaviour.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 250 litres

A spacious aquarium with plenty of horizontal swimming room is recommended.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Brokenline Wrasse is a highly active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time moving between open water, rockwork and the substrate.

It regularly searches for small prey and can become a very visible and energetic aquarium inhabitant once settled.

A soft, fine sandbed should be provided, as this species may bury itself when resting or frightened.

Reef Safe:
With Caution

The Brokenline Wrasse does not normally target healthy coral tissue.

However, small ornamental shrimp, tiny crabs, snails and other mobile invertebrates may be investigated or eaten.

It is therefore best considered reef safe with caution.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry, secure rockwork and plenty of open swimming space.

A soft sandy substrate is recommended to allow natural resting and refuge behaviour.

A tightly fitted aquarium lid is essential, as active wrasses can jump through surprisingly small openings.

Avoid very small ornamental crustaceans where their safety is important.

New specimens can be active but cautious during acclimation and should be monitored to ensure they are feeding consistently.

Regular varied feeding and good oxygenation are important for long-term health.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

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.