Scientific Name Halichoeres melanurus

Reef Compatible Yes

Care Level Intermediate

Disposition Peaceful

Min. Tank Size 40 gallons

Mature Size 5 inches

Diet Carnivore

Range Fiji, Australia Other

Common Names Hoeven's Wrasse, Tail Spot Wrasse, Yellow-lined Wrasse, Orange-tipped Rainbowfish, Tailspot Wrasse, Pinstriped Wrasse

Description

One of the best kept secrets in the hobby, the Melanurus Wrasse is one of the best problem solvers for Planaria flatworms in reef aquariums. Forget medications that can harm or damage your delicate motile invertebrates! The Melanurus Wrasse will consume flatworms and you will see the difference within a matter of a couple of days. Once the flatworms are gone you have an attractive, friendly fish that will readily adjust to a captive diet and frequent the water column with activity. There are definate differences in the sexes as the female has a spot on it's tail and the male lacks that spot.

Diet

Feed a varied diet consisting of large chunks of meaty foods. These foods include krill, raw table shrimp, squid, clam and mussel. Will learn to adapt to captive diet and will also likely supplement the captive diet by consuming amphipods and copepods.