Suggested Tank
55+ gallons
Max Size
5 inches
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
A slender, fast-moving Halichoeres wrasse with a green-blue body overlaid by fine orange-to-red pinstripes and a dark spot ringed in yellow/blue at the tail base; initial-phase fish and juveniles are paler with an extra ocellus on the dorsal fin. Peaceful toward most tankmates but bold and territorial with other similar wrasses, it forages constantly over rock and sand and is prized for eating pest flatworms, bristleworms and pyramid snails. Provide a mature tank with plenty of live rock, at least 2 inches of fine sand for its nightly burrowing, and a fully sealed lid, as it jumps readily.
Reef Safe
With caution
Environment
The Melanurus Wrasse thrives in a well-lit aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. They prefer tanks with sandy substrates where they can burrow. This species is known to jump, so a secure lid on the aquarium is necessary.
Behavior
These fish are known for their active and playful behavior. They are seen swimming around most of the time in search of food. At night or when threatened, the Melanurus Wrasse will bury itself in the sand.
Information might not be complete or accurate. Help the community by suggesting corrections.
Owner Reviews
Daniel
@KaptainKraken
Would sometimes eat snails in my tank. Had to be removed due to attacking my clownfish and other wrasse. But a colorful nice fish think I just got a bad individual.
Christian
@Christian27484
I’ve had mine for nearly a year and he has always been the most active and colorful fish in the tank. He has been a bit temperamental with new additions and small snails and crabs will disappear instantaneously. Tank Size: 60 breeder
Billy
@billy
The colors on this fish are insane. Pretty much every color in the rainbow it has. My Melanurus has been really good at hunting down pest. I’ve seen it eat bristle worms on multiple occasions.
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Melanurus Wrasse
Halichoeres melanurus
