Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus)

Max Size: 4 1/2 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

The Melanurus Wrasse, also known as the Tail Spot Wrasse and Hoeven's Wrasse, has a blue-green body with pink or yellow stripes horizontally across its sides. The juvenile's color is less vivid than the adult. For this fish, a 50-gallon or larger aquarium with a secure lid and a 2-3 inch sandy bottom for hiding is suitable, along with other peaceful wrasses, including its own species.

It feeds on fireworms and pyramidellid snails, which helps to protect corals and clams. Additionally, it may eat feather dusters, wild shrimp, tubeworms, and flatworms, and remove parasites from its tank mates. A varied diet consisting of vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods, as well as high-quality marine flake and pellet foods, should be provided regularly.