Redbreasted Maori Wrasse - Cheilinus fasciatus

Redbreasted Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus fasciatus)

The Redbreasted Maori Wrasse is a bold and impressive marine wrasse recognised for its robust body shape, distinctive facial markings and rich red colouration across the chest and lower body. Intelligent, active and powerful, it becomes increasingly assertive as it matures and is best suited to large marine aquariums with substantial rockwork and appropriately sized tankmates. Its predatory nature makes it unsuitable for aquariums containing small ornamental crustaceans or other vulnerable invertebrates.

Common Name:
Redbreasted Maori Wrasse, Red-Breasted Maori Wrasse

Scientific Name (Latin):
Cheilinus fasciatus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 35–40 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Redbreasted Maori Wrasse occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is associated with coral-rich reefs, rocky slopes, lagoons and areas containing substantial reef structure.

It spends much of its time exploring rockwork and reef surfaces in search of crustaceans, molluscs and other benthic 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:
Semi-Aggressive / Predatory

The Redbreasted Maori Wrasse is generally confident and may become territorial towards smaller or more timid tankmates.

It is best kept with robust marine fish that are large enough not to be viewed as prey and capable of competing successfully at feeding time.

Diet:
Carnivore

The Redbreasted Maori Wrasse naturally feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and other reef-associated animals.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including chopped prawn, mussel, cockle, squid, krill and quality marine carnivore pellets.

A varied protein-rich diet is important for maintaining healthy growth and strong body condition.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 750 litres

A very large aquarium with substantial horizontal swimming space is recommended due to its powerful swimming behaviour and adult size.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Redbreasted Maori Wrasse is an active and inquisitive fish that spends much of the day moving through rockwork and searching for food.

It may investigate caves, crevices and substrate areas while foraging.

Provide extensive open swimming space together with large secure rock structures, caves and sheltered areas.

Rockwork should be positioned firmly, as larger individuals are powerful and can disturb loose aquascaping.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

The Redbreasted Maori Wrasse should not be considered reef safe with ornamental invertebrates.

Shrimp, crabs, snails, molluscs and other mobile invertebrates may be hunted and eaten.

Although healthy coral tissue is not generally its primary food source, its predatory feeding behaviour makes it unsuitable for most conventional mixed reef aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a large, mature marine aquarium with excellent filtration, strong oxygenation and extensive swimming space.

Tankmates should be robust, appropriately sized and capable of tolerating its confident behaviour.

Avoid very small fish and ornamental crustaceans.

Secure rockwork is essential and should provide both open swimming areas and substantial caves or retreats.

A varied carnivorous diet should be offered regularly to support long-term health.

A tightly fitted aquarium lid is strongly recommended, as large wrasses are powerful and capable of jumping.

Suitable for:
Experienced

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.