Arguing for Argus

Posted by Quality Marine Staff on March 29, 2023

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Halichoeres argus has over 20 common names worldwide, and just a couple in English. Most frequently English speakers call it the Argus Wrasse, but it is also widely referred to as the Peacock Wrasse. It is frequently brought into the country and (incorrectly) sold as a “Christmas Wrasse”, though this happens with a few different species. In the Philippines, the Halichoeres argus has a few names, some of which don't translate to English, but a few do like “Mom Fish,” “Broken Fish” and “Bumpy.” In China, our favorite google translations are the “Big Eyed Pigfish,” and the “Stalked Hogfish.” These names are interesting in that the second half of their genus name, Halichoeres, comes from the Greek work choiros, which means “pig,” a reference to their upturned “snout.” The Malaysians also have an interesting one in the “Rat Parrot Wrasse.” The Vietnamese name pretty accurately translates at “Dotted Fish”.

For our sake, the fish we'll call the Argus Wrasse is a common fish throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific. It is generally found in small groups in fairly shallow (less than 50 feet deep) water, near reefs, rocky shoals, lagoons and seagrass beds. They live primarily on zooplankton and small invertebrates like copepods, worms, small shrimp etc. Basically, if it's a small enough invertebrate, the Halichoeres argus will try to eat it.

This wild diet means that larger examples of the Argus Wrasse (and indeed any Halichoeres Wrasse), could be a threat to your cleanup crew. Conversely, the largest Argus wrasse on record is a tad under five inches long, and they are much more commonly full adult size at three and half to four inches long, so this is not a huge fish. In regard to snails and hermit crabs, they will consume some of this population over time, but the rate of this is not burdensome, and this population is better consumed slowly over time as a live food source, than having snails die of old age, hidden under rocks, causing nitrogen spikes.

Halichoeres argus are unlikely to both corals of any type, though they will pick around them while hunting. This behavior is not usually detrimental to the coral, in fact, the positive of this wild diet makes Argus Wrasses bona fine pest consumers. They eat just about every nuisance pest you can get in an aquarium; Argus wrasses will eat bristle worms, acro mites and they will power through Asterina Stars. They will, however, pick on decorative clams, and we would caution you about keeping any fish in the genus with clams or large delicate starfish like Linckia.

In addition to consuming pests in your aquarium, Halichoeres argus should be fed a well-rounded diet. They love small, thawed, meaty foods like mysis, chopped mussel and shrimp etc. They are also easily cajoled into eating a well-rounded pellet food like those from Nutramar. The addition of a good pellet food adds dietary depth and protein in a way nothing else can, boosting the fish's immune system as well as their general vitality and color.

The Argus wrasse is a very active fish that should be kept in an aquarium that is at least 40 gallons for a single specimen and 55 for a group of three. They can be kept with other wrasses of similar temperament (like other Argus wrasses.) If the wrasses are the same species, or very similar, we suggest adding the wrasses at the same time, or to re-arrange the décor of the tank to cut down on territorial behavior. Halichoeres argus is a peaceful fish that can stick up for itself if need be. As such, they have a wide range of aquariums they could be used in. They'll do fine with peaceful fish like Cardinals, and also be able to hold their own in aquariums with all but the most belligerent tankmates. The Argus Wrasse will appreciate quite bit of rock for them to forage on and swim through, and all Halichores genus wrasses should be kept in aquariums that have at least 2 inches of sand for them to dive into and hide or sleep. This is a fun behavior to watch, just be careful when siphoning sand, if you don't see your wrasse, it might be napping. This sand should be relatively fine so as to not beat up the wrasse, but it should not be superfine or sugar sand as these are too easily disturbed and will stay suspended in your water column for longer than is good for your other aquarium inhabitants (especially corals).

Halichoeres argus is an amazing fish. They are incredibly hardy, being resistant to most common aquarium maladies. They are gorgeous, they stay relatively small and bring incredible activity to any aquarium AND they are renowned pest eaters! What's not to love? Head to your Local Fish Store, ask for an Argus Wrasse and tell them Quality Marine sent you!