It requires a 50 gallon or larger aquarium with a 2 inch layer of live sand in which to bury itself. It is a jumper, so a secure lid on the aquarium is required.

The Yellowtail Wrasse may be very difficult to keep in an aquarium due to its feeding habits. When first introduced into the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to entice this fish to eat. It eats very small invertebrates (amphiopods) that grow on live rock. The diet should also include live, small feeder shrimps (brine, mysid) and finely chopped marine meats.