Quick Stats
Easy |
Temperament
Peaceful |
Color Form
Green, Yellow, Orange |
Diet
Carnivore |
Reef Compatible
With Caution |
sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78°F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 |
Max. Size
5″ |
Family
Labridae |
Minimum Tank Size
50 gallons |
|
Description
The Melanurus Wrasse (Juvenile) (Halichoeres melanurus), also known as the Hoeven’s Wrasse or Tail-Spot Wrasse, is a colorful and lively addition to marine tanks. This fish boasts a beautiful blend of green, yellow, and orange hues that will become more vibrant as it matures, adding a dynamic look to the aquarium. Known for its peaceful nature, the Melanurus Wrasse makes an ideal community fish and is generally easy to care for, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
Native to the reef environments of the Indo-Pacific, the Melanurus Wrasse enjoys an environment with plenty of live rock and sandy substrate, where it can dig and forage for food. While peaceful with most other tank mates, it may prey on small invertebrates and thus is considered “reef compatible with caution.”
As a carnivore, the Melanurus Wrasse has a natural diet that includes small crustaceans and invertebrates, making it useful for pest control in the aquarium. To keep it healthy, feed a varied diet of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, marine pellets, and other meaty foods.
This wrasse’s hardiness, vibrant coloration, and utility in controlling small pests make it a popular choice for marine enthusiasts. Providing sufficient space and a well-secured tank lid (as they are known jumpers) will ensure this active fish thrives in a well-maintained saltwater setup.