Jewelled 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 Jewelled Wrasse are also sometimes known as Mauritius Jewel Leopard Wrasse. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Male and female Jewelled Wrasse will have different coloration. Males are a dark red orange with green irregular stripes on their sides and a yellow black spot in the corner of its gill cover. Females are a green to brown color turning into a red brown color with white dots on either side of its torso, rows of dark brown spots towards the dorsal. Jewelled Wrasse can grow to almost 6".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 50 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