Red Shoulder Wrasse - Stethojulis bandanensis

Red Shoulder Wrasse (Stethojulis bandanensis)

The Red Shoulder Wrasse, Stethojulis bandanensis, is an active and colourful marine wrasse with a slender body, pointed head and attractive green, blue, orange and red markings that vary strongly between males, females and juveniles. Also known as the Orange-axil Wrasse or Red-shouldered Wrasse, this Indo-Pacific species is best suited to mature reef or fish-only marine aquariums with soft sand, open swimming space and plenty of natural foraging areas. It is generally reef safe with corals, but it is a specialist, fast-moving wrasse that needs frequent feeding and careful acclimation.

Common Name:
Red Shoulder Wrasse, Red-shouldered Wrasse, Orange-axil Wrasse, Banda Wrasse, Red Shoulder Stethojulis Wrasse.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Stethojulis bandanensis

Maximum Size:
Up to around 15 cm.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Indo-Pacific reef regions, with records across the Western and Central Pacific. Naturally found in shallow clear water on reef flats, lagoon reefs and seaward reefs, especially in mixed sand, rubble and coral habitats. It is usually seen singly or in small groups while foraging close to the substrate and reef structure.

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

Temperament:
Peaceful to semi-assertive. It is usually not aggressive towards unrelated fish, but can be active and competitive at feeding time. It may quarrel with similar wrasses or other Stethojulis species, especially in smaller aquariums. Avoid housing with very timid fish that may be stressed by constant activity, or with aggressive fish that may bully it during acclimation.

Diet:
Carnivorous micro-predator. In the wild, it feeds mainly on demersal planktonic crustaceans and small benthic invertebrates. In the aquarium, offer frequent small feeds of frozen mysis, enriched brineshrimp, copepods, cyclops, calanus, finely chopped krill, quality marine pellets and other small meaty foods. Newly imported specimens may be reluctant to feed, so live or enriched frozen foods can help during settling.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 300 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred for long-term care or mixed wrasse communities. Provide open swimming room, mature live rock and a soft sand bed.

Behaviour & Activity:
An energetic daytime forager that spends much of its time cruising over sand, rubble and rockwork while picking at tiny prey. It uses sand for refuge and sleeping, and may dive into the substrate when frightened. Provide a soft sand bed at least 5 cm deep, along with caves, crevices and stable rockwork. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is essential, as active wrasses can jump when startled.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
Generally safe with corals and most sessile invertebrates, as it does not normally nip coral tissue. The caution is due to its natural hunting behaviour: it may eat tiny worms, pods, small feather dusters, flatworms, very small shrimps or other small mobile invertebrates. It is better suited to mature reef aquariums than delicate nano systems.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Requires a mature aquarium, soft fine sand and frequent varied feeding. This species can be sensitive during transport and acclimation, so choose alert, feeding specimens with good body weight. Avoid coarse or sharp substrate, bare-bottom systems and aggressive tank mates. Do not mix with very similar Stethojulis wrasses unless the aquarium is large and carefully planned. A secure lid is strongly recommended.

Suitable for:
Experienced fishkeepers

Availability:
Rare or occasional in trade

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.