Chameleon Wrasse, Male

Halichoeres Wrasse should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work should be provided for grazing and foraging behaviours. Halichoeres Wrasse will bury themselves in the sand at night and if startled, provide a deep sand bed. They may pick at crustaceans and fan worms. A diet of meaty and algae based foods are readily accepted by Halichoeres Wrasse. Males and females generally exhibit color or pattern differences. Halichoeres Wrasse are hardy and well adapted to aquarium life. Harems of 1 male and a couple of females can cohabitate well if added at the same time but can become a bit territorial if added seperately. Wrasse are hermaphrodites meaning they start as juveniles/females but at some point in their life may turn into a male. Wrasse are jumpers be sure to provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid.

The Chameleon Wrasse are rarely seen in the aquarium trade. Color depends on maturity. As a juvenile the fish will be a green to white color with small black spot at the base of their caudal fin as the fish begins to mature they begin to turn a light red with terminal phase males having the ability to change colors very quickly and dramatically. Terminal phase males have been seen with shades of pink, blue, green or combinations of these colors with bright blue lines on their heads that often continue onto their body. Chameleon Wrasse can grow to a little over 10".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 100 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH