How difficult is it to keep Melanurus Wrasse?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Melanurus Wrasse?

The ideal temperature for Melanurus Wrasse is 24〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Melanurus Wrasse?

The average lifespan of Melanurus Wrasse is 5-8 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Melanurus Wrasse get?

Melanurus Wrasse typically reaches 10-12cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Melanurus Wrasse?

Melanurus Wrasse feeds on: Frozen food, Pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Melanurus Wrasse?

The price of Melanurus Wrasse varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

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Melanurus Wrasse

Beginner

Halichoeres melanurus

A wrasse with beautiful blue-green stripes. Eats pests like flatworms and bristleworms.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

24〜26℃

Lifespan

5-8 years

Size

10-12cm

Diet

Frozen food, Pellets

About

The melanurus or tail-spot wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) is a western Pacific reef wrasse, marked with fine longitudinal stripes over blue-green and growing more vivid with age. Adults reach 10-12 cm. It buries in sand at night and when startled, so a fine sand bed of 5 cm or more is needed. It is well regarded as a clean-up fish for reef tanks, preying on coral-eating flatworms, bristle worms and small pest snails. It is hardy, feeds readily and swims actively, giving the tank movement. The flip side is that small shrimp and juvenile snails are also fair game, and it jumps readily — a lid is essential.

Lifespan of the Melanurus Wrasse

The Melanurus Wrasse lives 5-8 years.

Size of the Melanurus Wrasse

The Melanurus Wrasse grows to 10-12cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Melanurus Wrasse

The ideal temperature for the Melanurus Wrasse is 24〜26℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Western Pacific reefs

Lifespan

5-8 years

Size

10-12cm

Temperature

24〜26℃

Diet

Care Specifications

pH: 8.1–8.4
Water Temp.: 24–26℃
Specific Gravity: 1.02–1.025
Salinity: 33–35 ppt
Min. Tank: 189 L

PeacefulReef safe

Sources: LiveAquaria

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Halichoeres melanurus (Bleeker, 1851)

Synonyms: Halichoeres hoeveni, Halichoeres hoevenii, Julis hoevenii, Julis melanurus, Platyglossus melanurus

Authority databases: WoRMS · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.