Melanurus Wrasse – Real Aquatics
A vividly patterned wrasse in green and orange with fine blue markings across the face. Hardy, active and genuinely useful against reef pests.
Feeding
Carnivorous. Frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp and marine pellets. Hunts pests among rockwork continuously.
Compatibility
Reef safe and generally peaceful, though it will eat ornamental shrimp, small snails and bristleworms. Useful against pest flatworms and pyramid snails.
Behaviour and personality
Constantly active across the rockwork, hunting. Buries itself in the sand bed to sleep and when startled.
Before you buy
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Substrate | Deep fine sand bed to sleep in — without it, the fish becomes stressed and short-lived |
| Enclosure | A sealed lid is essential, as Halichoeres wrasses jump |
FAQ
What does the Melanurus Wrasse eat?
The Melanurus Wrasse is carnivorous and eats frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and marine pellets. It actively hunts pests among rockwork.
Is it safe for a reef tank?
Yes, it is reef safe and generally peaceful. However, it will eat small shrimp, snails, and bristleworms, so it may not be suitable for tanks with delicate invertebrates.
Does it need a specific type of sand bed?
Yes, it requires a deep fine sand bed to burrow into for sleeping. Without it, the fish becomes stressed and may have a short lifespan.
Gabrielle Scott –
The Melanurus Wrasse is very active and helps control pest flatworms in my reef tank. I made sure to provide a deep layer of fine sand and a sealed lid. It’s a great addition to a healthy reef environment.
Christopher Kerr –
It’s colorful and energetic. I noticed it eating some small snails, so I adjusted my invertebrate placement. It’s a useful pest controller and stays active throughout the day.
Deirdre Wilson –
After adding this wrasse, I saw a significant reduction in pyramid snail populations. The fish is hardy and adapts well to my tank setup with proper sand depth and lid.