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Melanurus wrasse is one of the most popular medium-size wrasses for reef tanks - color shifts dramatically from juvenile black-striped form to adult electric green/red. Excellent natural predator of pyramidellid snails, small bristle worms, and flatworms. Sand-sleeper.
Native range: Western Pacific. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs - approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade. The Melanurus Wrasse is part of the Wrasse (Labridae) - Halichoeres grouping, characterized by elongated body shape, terminal-phase sex change (most species), and active reef-grazing or pest-control behavior.
Tank size: 70 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) - 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Lid: tight-fitting, gap-free. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.
Flow: moderate to moderately strong is preferred by most wrasses - they evolved on current-swept reefs. Lighting: standard reef LED works for all wrasses; the fish itself does not require special spectrum.
Carnivore - mysis, copepods, pellets, picks parasites/pests. Most wrasses have very high metabolic rates and need 2-3 feedings daily. Skipping feedings during business travel or vacations leads to rapid condition loss - schedule automatic feeders or vendor-trusted tank-sitters for extended absences.
Safe: Tangs, larger angels, other genera of wrasses, larger clownfish.
Avoid: Other Halichoeres species in tanks under 125 gallons; very small fish.
Not captive bred. Most wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites - born female, transition to male as they reach social dominance in a group. Tank breeding of wrasses is rare due to the complex behaviors and pelagic egg-laying that resists captive replication.
Sand bed too shallow (causes stress); aggression toward smaller wrasses; jumping.
Excellent natural predator of pyramidellid snails, small bristle worms, and flatworms. Wrasses (family Labridae) are one of the most diverse and successful fish families on coral reefs - approximately 600 described species worldwide, of which 40-60 are commonly available in the marine aquarium trade. The Melanurus Wrasse is part of the Wrasse (Labridae) - Halichoeres grouping, characterized by elongated body shape, terminal-phase sex change (most species), and active reef-grazing or pest-control behavior.
The Melanurus Wrasse needs a tank of at least 70 gallons. Sand substrate is non-negotiable for sand-sleeping wrasse genera (Halichoeres, Macropharyngodon, Anampses) - 2-3 inches of fine pool-filter sand minimum. Rockwork should provide multiple cave entrances and tight crevices the fish can wedge into for sleeping or escape. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.
The Melanurus Wrasse is rated intermediate difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 70 gallons, a temperature of 74-82°F and salinity of 1.024-1.026. Adults reach about 5" and live 7-10 years. Excellent natural predator of pyramidellid snails, small bristle worms, and flatworms.
Carnivore - mysis, copepods, pellets, picks parasites/pests. Most wrasses have very high metabolic rates and need 2-3 feedings daily. Skipping feedings during business travel or vacations leads to rapid condition loss - schedule automatic feeders or vendor-trusted tank-sitters for extended absences.
Sand bed too shallow (causes stress); aggression toward smaller wrasses; jumping. Keeper note: Sand bed 2-3" required - sleeps and hides in substrate at night. Color changes dramatically with age. May harass smaller fairy or flasher wrasses. Wrasses are the second-most-common jumping casualties in reef tanks after gobies - a single 1cm gap is enough.
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