The Paddlefin Wrasse is also referred to as the Rainbow or Cortez Rainbow Wrasse. As a juvenile they are mostly black in color with a yellow and pink belly. As they mature into an adult, their coloration brightens into an array of colors. Their body takes on a reddish coloration, and the head area and fins become blue to green in color. Adding to the appeal of the adult fish, is a bright yellow band located just behind the head. These are one of the smaller wrasse within the genus, and make a wonderful addition to a saltwater fish only aquarium.
It should reside in a 75 gallon or larger aquarium with larger, aggressive tank mates, and plenty of rocks for hiding. It will become territorial and harass any new additions to the community, therefore, it should be the last fish added to the community. It may be kept with a mate if the aquarium is 125 gallons or larger. It may eat crustaceans, mantis shrimp and bristleworms. It does not eat corals or live plants.
The Paddlefin Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.