Melanurus wrasse
Halichoeres melanurus · Labridae
Also known as Hoeven's wrasse, Tail-spot wrasse
Intermediate
A hardy sand-sleeping wrasse that hunts vermetid snails and flatworms across the rock.
In short: A melanurus wrasse needs at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 210 L (55 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 12 cm (4.7 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe.
- With inverts
- Eats small shrimp, snails and worms.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 210 L (55 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 210 L (55 US gal)
- Aggression
- Peaceful with unlike fish.
- Feeding
- Twice daily; hunts between meals.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 210 L (55 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — mysis, pellets, clam, reef micro-fauna.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Sandy reef edges and rubble
- Natural conditions
- Sand bed to bury in; moderate flow; tight lid.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- TangsClownfishAnthias
- Avoid
- Ornamental shrimpOther Halichoeres wrasses
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Males develop brighter green striping.
- Notes
- Not bred in captivity.
- Common ailments
- Marine ichJumping
Will it fit your tank?
Sign in and AquaLog compares Melanurus wrasse against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.
Sign in to check my tanks
