Marbled / Checkerboard Wrasse (Halichoeres hortulanus)
Max Size: 11 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
The young Marble/Hortulanus Wrasse, also known as the Checkerboard Wrasse, has a white body with black stripes, dots, and patches. As it matures, its body turns silver with a black checkerboard pattern, while the dorsal fin and tail become yellow. Its face is light green with orange to pink striped markings.
To house this fish, a 125 gallon or larger aquarium with a tight-fitting lid and a 2-3 inch sandy bottom for hiding is recommended, along with other peaceful wrasses of the same species. It will help keep the tank clean by eating fireworms and pyramidellid snails, but larger individuals may prey on small ornamental shrimp and crabs. It will not harm corals or clams, but may eat feather dusters, wild shrimp, tubeworms, and flatworms.
A balanced diet for the Marble/Hortulanus Wrasse includes vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods, along with high-quality marine flake and pellet food.
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