Yellowcheek Wrasse

(Halichoeres cyanocephalus)

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 Yellowcheek Wrasse are sometimes known as Lightning Wrasse. Rarely seen in the aquarium trade. Color depends on maturity. As a juvenile the fish will be a bright blue color with a yellow back as they begin to mature their back will take on a yellow to green hue and develop a more defined white belly. Yellowcheek Wrasse can grow to a little over 12".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 150 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

  • Care: CareModerateModerate CareEasyEasy
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatSand FlatSand Flat HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightHighHigh