Broomtail Wrasse [Cheilinus lunulatus]

Broomtail Wrasse (Cheilinus lunulatus)

The Broomtail Wrasse is a bold, highly distinctive marine wrasse known for its dramatic adult colouration, thick lips and long, broom-like tail filaments. Juveniles are far more subdued, but adults develop striking green, blue and yellow tones that make this species a real centrepiece fish. Native to the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean, it is an active, intelligent predator that inhabits coral reef areas as well as adjacent rubble, sand and seagrass habitats. Because of its eventual size, territorial nature and specialist feeding habits, it is best suited to large, mature marine systems run by experienced aquarists.

Common Name:
Broomtail Wrasse.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Cheilinus lunulatus.

Maximum Size:
Up to 45 cm (in captivity).

Water Type:
Marine.

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Indian Ocean, from the Red Sea to the Gulf of Oman. Adults are found around coral reefs and adjacent rubble, sand and seagrass habitats, typically along the edges of coral-rich fringing reef slopes.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive and territorial. This species can become dominant in smaller systems and may bully smaller or more passive tankmates, so it is usually best kept singly in a spacious aquarium.

Diet:
Carnivorous. In the wild it feeds mainly on hard-shelled invertebrates, especially molluscs. In captivity it should be offered a varied diet of substantial meaty marine foods such as shrimp, crustacean-based preparations and other quality frozen foods.

Minimum Tank Size:
1,135 litres minimum.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active, diurnal wrasse that spends much of the day patrolling the aquarium, exploring rockwork and cruising open swimming areas. In nature it is found alone or in pairs and benefits from a layout with both open space and secure structure.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
This species is not typically kept for reef compatibility, and I would advise caution around ornamental shrimps, crabs, snails and other motile invertebrates, as its natural diet includes hard-shelled invertebrates. Monitor closely if housed in a reef system, especially where decorative crustaceans or molluscs are present. This classification is an inference from its documented feeding behaviour.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a very large, mature marine aquarium with plenty of open swimming space, secure rockwork and stable water quality. Because of its size and assertive nature, it is better suited to robust tankmates and is generally a poor choice for smaller community marine aquaria.

Suitable for:
Experienced fishkeepers. This is an inference based on its adult size, territorial behaviour, predatory diet and very large tank requirement.

Availability:
Rare in trade.