Bandit Wrasse (Polylepion russelli) Care Guide
Polylepion russelli is a deep-water wrasse of the family Labridae from the North Pacific, a carnivorous reef-associated species recorded at 100-353 m.
Overview
Polylepion russelli is a marine wrasse of the family Labridae, named for its pale body and bold dark band across the eyes. FishBase records a maximum total length of 25 cm. It is a deep-water, reef-associated species of the North Pacific.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Polylepion
- Scientific name: Polylepion russelli
- Authority: Gomon & Randall, 1975
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the North Pacific, including Japan and the Hawaiian Islands. It is marine and reef-associated at a depth range of 100-353 m, where FishBase lists a preferred temperature of about 14-24 °C. This is a cool, deep-water environment rather than a shallow tropical reef.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L (79 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 °dKH
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Setup: sandy substrate with rockwork refuges
Diet
Polylepion russelli is a carnivore, with a FishBase trophic level of about 3.5 based on food items. Captive wrasses of this type require meaty marine foods offered in regular small feedings.
Compatibility
The species is a mid-water swimmer. Given its deep, cool-water origin it is rarely kept and best suited to specialist marine systems with non-aggressive, sturdy tankmates rather than boisterous predators.
Breeding
FishBase records the species as oviparous, forming distinct pairs during breeding. Captive reproduction is not established.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009), per FishBase, which also notes low vulnerability to fishing pressure.