Xyrichthys sp.
| Identification | A remarkable, blade-thin wrasse with a highly compressed body and a steep, sharp-edged “razor” forehead, in pale mottled cream, pink or grey. Sold generically as Razor or Sand Wrasse (genus Xyrichthys / Iniistius). |
|---|---|
| Maximum Length | about 6–8″ (depending on species) |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific sand flats and rubble slopes |
| Minimum Tank Size | 50 Gal. with a deep fine sand bed |
| Reef Compatibility | Reef safe with caution |
Behavior
One of the most entertaining sand-dwellers in the hobby: when startled or at night it dives headfirst straight into the sand and vanishes. It needs an open sandy area and a deep bed of fine sand to feel secure. Peaceful toward fish, but a natural predator of small invertebrates.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivore. Offer a varied meaty diet — mysis, enriched brine, finely chopped seafood and quality pellets — fed a couple of times a day.
Cautions
Must have a deep, fine sand bed to dive and rest; kept on bare bottom or coarse rock it becomes stressed. An accomplished jumper — keep the tank covered. Will hunt small ornamental shrimp, snails and other tiny inverts.