Hologymnosus longipes

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Facts
Latin name Hologymnosus longipes - (Günther, 1862)
Local name Sidespot longface wrasse
Family Labridae - Hologymnosus
Origin Australia
Max length 40 cm (15.7")
As aquarium fish
Minimum volume 1500 l (396 gal)
Hardiness Average
Suitable for aquarium Suitable with care
Reef safe Reef safe with caution
Aggressiveness Mostly peaceful but might be aggressive towards similar species
Feed
Recommended Fish
Larger crustaceans (Shrimp, crabs...)
Other invertebrates
Small crustaceans (Krill, mysis, artemia...)
Beware of
Grows fast

This species grows very quickly if fed well.

Jumps out of open aquaria

This species is known to jump out of open aquaria.

Threat to snails

This species likes eating snails whenever possible.

Can be a threat to small fish

This spicies might be a threat to smaller fishes.

Rearranges rocks etc.

This species like to move rocks and sometimes corals in the search for food.

Threat towards crustaceans

This species poses a threat towards shrimps and crabs etc., which are relatively small.

Demand a very large aquarium when fully grown

This species needs a very large aquarium when fully grown.

Exactly how big the aquarium should be is hard to say, but the size of this species is such, that it cannot normally be kept in a home aquarium.

Keep in mind
Sensitive during transportation

This species is very sensitive during transportation and acclimatizing into the aquarium.

Deep sandy substrate

This species needs a minimum of 2 inch (5 cm) of sand in the aquarium bottom, so it can dig itself down when afraid or needing to sleep.

Requires plenty of space for swimming.

This species revels in swimming and requires an aquarium with ample space.

Hermaphroditic

This species can change gender from female to male.

When a male is needed, a female changes sex and takes on the role.

Descriptions and further reading
Genus description (Hologymnosus)

Hologymnosus species are very active and relatively large, they therefore need a lot of space. Has one space enough, these fish are well suited to aquarium life.

They cannot crush prey like many other Wrasses, but eat a range of invertebrates and fish, as long as they can be swallowed whole. Occasionally they can be observed smashing up their prey on rocks, into smaller pieces.

They dig themselves into the sand when feeling threatened or needing to sleep. When they are transported without sand in the container, they can sustain injury around the mouth. When selecting fish in the shop, this must be checked for.

Family description (Labridae)

Wrasses are nearly always seen in reef aquaria, since many of the species are both attractive and useful in battling a range of unwanted invertebrates like i.e. flatworms, pyramide snails.
These fish live of everything from zooplankton to large crustaceans, sea urchins and the like.

The needs and behaviour of Wrasses vary greatly, so it is vital to familiarize oneself with the specific species before buying one.

FishBase
Distribution Western Pacific: New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands, Vanuatu, and southern Great Barrier Reef.
English common names Sidespot longface wrasse
Pale slender wrasse
References and further reading

About references

Bob Fenner. Genera Hemigymnus and Hologymnosus Wrasses - Wet Web Media - (English)

Scott W. Michael. 2009. Wrasses and Parrotfishes (Reef Fishes Series Book 5) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)