Halichoeres

From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer

Family: Labridae

Species in Genus Halichoeres:

• Golden Wrasse
• Ornate Wrasse
• Pastel Green Wrasse
• Pinstriped Wrasse

HALICHOERES WRASSES

Bold, beautiful and generally all-around great aquarium fishes, this large genus contains more than 75 species, many of them spectacular but varying in their suitability for the reef aquarium.

Smaller species are generally safe with corals and many ornamental invertebrates, although even these species are a potential threat to fanworms, small snails, and more diminutive shrimps. Larger species have a greater dietary breadth and are potentially dangerous to a wider range of motile invertebrates. They will ignore coral polyps but will flip over loose pieces of live rock and coral when hunting hidden prey. Most species will feed on fireworms and pyramidellid snails, and some also eat flatworms.

Because these wrasses bury in the substrate at night or when threatened, it is important to have a minimum of 2 in. (5 cm) of fine coral sand on the aquarium bottom. A coarse coral gravel will damage their jaws, fins, and scales, which can lead to skin infections.

Larger specimens may not tolerate collection and shipping very well, but these wrasses tend to be durable and not picky about food.