Ring Wrasse Juvenile - Hologymnosus annulatus

Ring Wrasse Juvenile (Hologymnosus annulatus)

The Ring Wrasse Juvenile is a striking and highly active marine wrasse recognised for its elongated body, bold juvenile patterning and energetic swimming behaviour. Juveniles can look very different from mature adults, with colour and markings changing considerably as the fish develops. Intelligent, predatory and constantly on the move, this species is best suited to large marine aquariums with robust tankmates, a deep fine sandbed and plenty of open swimming space.

Common Name:
Ring Wrasse Juvenile, Ring Wrasse

Scientific Name (Latin):
Hologymnosus annulatus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 35–40 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Ring Wrasse occurs across tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is associated with coral reefs, lagoons, reef slopes and sandy areas close to established rockwork.

Juveniles often remain closer to reef structure and sheltered areas, while larger individuals become increasingly active across open reef zones.

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 Ring Wrasse is active and confident and can become increasingly assertive as it matures.

It is best kept with robust, suitably sized marine fish that can tolerate its energetic behaviour. Small or timid fish may be intimidated or potentially viewed as prey.

Diet:
Carnivore / Predator

The Ring Wrasse naturally feeds on crustaceans, molluscs, worms and other reef-associated invertebrates.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, krill, chopped prawn, mussel, cockle, squid and other suitably sized marine foods.

Quality carnivore pellets may also be accepted once the fish is established.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 750 litres

Its substantial adult size and highly active swimming behaviour mean the Ring Wrasse requires generous horizontal swimming space and a large aquarium footprint.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Ring Wrasse is an energetic daytime swimmer that spends much of its time exploring rockwork and searching the substrate for prey.

A deep bed of fine sand is essential, as this species buries itself for sleeping and when frightened.

Provide extensive open swimming space alongside secure rockwork, caves and sheltered areas.

A tightly fitted aquarium lid is essential, as large wrasses are powerful and accomplished jumpers.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

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

Shrimp, crabs, snails, worms and other mobile invertebrates may be hunted and consumed as the fish grows.

Although healthy coral tissue is not usually the primary target, its predatory behaviour makes it unsuitable for conventional reef aquariums containing valuable clean-up crew animals.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This species should only be purchased with its substantial adult size and long-term requirements fully considered.

Provide a large, mature marine aquarium with excellent filtration, strong oxygenation and extensive open swimming room.

A deep, soft sandbed is essential and should be free from sharp or coarse material.

Rockwork should be positioned securely, as larger individuals are powerful swimmers and active foragers.

Avoid very small fish, ornamental crustaceans and timid tankmates.

A tightly fitted lid covering all openings is essential.

Juvenile colouration changes significantly with age, so adult appearance can be very different from that of young specimens.

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.