Cockerel Wrasse (Pteragogus Enneacanthus) saltwater aquarium fish portrait

The Cockerel Wrasse (Pteragogus enneacanthus), also sold as the Cockatiel, Redstriped, or Flagfin Wrasse, is a modestly sized Indo-Pacific labrid with a mottled red and white body peppered with small dark spots. The most reliable field mark is the ringed ocellus on the gill cover, which shows a yellow to green border in younger fish. As individuals mature, that ring stretches into an oblong shape and fine blue lines develop beneath the eye, giving older specimens a more detailed facial pattern than the plain, cryptic look of juveniles. Adults reach roughly 6 inches.

Plan on a minimum of 75 gallons for a single adult, with more volume welcome given how much swimming territory a fish of this size claims. This is a reef-dwelling species encountered across a broad span of sea temperatures in the wild, so it adapts readily to standard tropical marine conditions rather than requiring anything unusual. Published tank recommendations for the species vary widely, from moderate reef-sized systems to very large exhibits, which is another reason to err toward generous footprint and open swimming lanes. Care level is moderate: the fish is not delicate, but it demands a mature system, steady water quality, and an owner willing to manage its appetite for mobile invertebrates.

The Cockerel Wrasse is a carnivore and should be fed accordingly. In captivity it takes frozen and live foods readily, and a rotation built around meaty marine items keeps color and body condition strong. Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped krill, finely diced marine fish or shellfish flesh, and live amphipods or blackworms all fit the profile. Variety matters more than volume, since a single food offered repeatedly tends to produce a narrow nutritional intake.

Feed small portions twice daily rather than one large meal, which suits a fish that spends its day picking rather than gorging. Newly imported specimens often respond best to live foods first, then transition to frozen once they are settled and competing confidently at feeding time. Watch that faster, bolder tankmates do not intercept every offering before the wrasse reaches it.

Mysis Shrimp Enriched Brine Shrimp Krill Chopped Marine Fish Flesh Chopped Shellfish Live Amphipods Live Blackworms
Temperament is semi-aggressive. The species is described as social and is not a recluse, but a 6-inch wrasse with a predatory feeding style will assert itself over favored hunting ground and may harass smaller or slower fish, particularly at mealtimes. Introduce it after more timid residents are established, and choose tankmates of similar or larger size that can hold their own: tangs, larger dottybacks, hawkfish, angelfish, and robust wrasses are sensible company. Keep one per system unless the aquarium is very large, since same-species conflict is a real risk.

This wrasse is not reef safe. Its natural inclination toward mobile prey puts ornamental shrimp, small crabs, snails, and clams at genuine risk, and small fish may also be viewed as food once the wrasse reaches full size. Corals themselves are not the primary concern, but a fish that hunts along rockwork and among coral bases can disturb sessile animals and pick at cleanup crew populations. Reserve this species for fish-focused displays or reef systems where the loss of invertebrates is acceptable.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Cockerel Wrasse

  • How large an aquarium does an adult Cockerel Wrasse need?
    Plan on at least 75 gallons for one adult. Larger systems are better, as published guidance for this species ranges from moderate reef tanks up to very large exhibits.
  • How big does a Cockerel Wrasse get?
    Adults reach approximately 6 inches, or about 15 centimeters, which places it among the medium-sized wrasses rather than the true dwarf species.
  • Can a Cockerel Wrasse be kept in a reef tank with invertebrates?
    No. It is not reef safe and will prey on ornamental shrimp, small crabs, snails, and clams, and may target very small fish as it matures.