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Home > Marine Fish > Wrasse - Reef Safe > Melanurus Wrasse
Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus)
Melanurus Wrasse
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus)
Additional locales and sizes may be available!
Additional locales and sizes may be available!

Quick Stats

Care Level Easy
Temperament Peaceful
Color Form Blue, Green, Red, Yellow
Diet Carnivore
Reef Compatible Yes
Water Conditions sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size 4½"
Family Labridae
Minimum Tank Size 50 gallons
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Care Level Easy
Temperament Peaceful
Color Form Blue, Green, Red, Yellow
Diet Carnivore
Reef Compatible Yes
Water Conditions sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size 4½"
Family Labridae
Minimum Tank Size 50 gallons
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information

Overview

The Melanurus Wrasse is also referred to as the Tail Spot Wrasse and Hoeven's Wrasse. The body of this fish is blue-green in color and has pink or yellow stripes running horizontally across its sides. The color of the juvenile is more muted.

A 50 gallon or larger aquarium with a tight-fitting lid, a 2-3 inch sandy bottom to hide under if frightened, and other peaceful wrasses, including its own species, is an acceptable environment.

It will eat fireworms and pyramidellid snails, protecting corals and clams. In addition, it may eat feather dusters, wild shrimp, tubeworms, and flatworms. It may also eat parasites off of tank mates. Regular feedings should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4"

Customer Testimonials

Jennifer M. Simi Valley , CA
I have one of these in my reef, and he's a great addition to the community. He has shown my shy fish that it's "ok" to swim around when people are staring in the tank. He swims back and forth non-stop, hovering aroung the rocks looking for interesting morsels to eat. He seems to get along with everyone, including my inverts.
Austin G Mountain Lakes , NJ
My Hoeven's Wrasse is so fun to watch. She burrows early underground and soon falls asleep.
Jared R Fort Collins , CO
Great fish! I have my wrasse in a reef tank and he has proven himself to be a great addition. I keep him well fed and I have never seem him go after any inverts. He gets along really well with the other fish(clownfish, sailfin tang, kaudern's cardinal, chromis).
David D Denver , CO
Despite being listed in the not reef safe section for wrasses, I took the chance several months ago and placed him in a reef setting. The fish is delightful with a great personality and friendly to all. Would highly recommend this fish. Eats like a horse, buries himself at night.
1-4 of 4 testimonials

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