Halichoeres garnoti

Datasheet

General Description

The Yellowhead wrasse (Halichoeres garnoti) is a species within the Labridae family, known for its attractiveness and effectiveness in eradicating flatworms and pyramid snails in aquarium settings. These fish are popular for their peaceful nature compared to other wrasse species like Pseudocheilinus hexataenia. They can grow too large for smaller aquariums and have varied diets, some feeding on small invertebrates, while others consume crustaceans. Yellowhead wrasses exhibit a unique behavior of burying themselves in the sand when threatened or sleeping.

Aquarium Suitability

The Yellowhead wrasse is suitable for aquariums but requires attentive care due to its tendency to be aggressive towards similar fish and its need for ample space to swim. These wrasses are hardy but sensitive during transportation and acclimatization. They are best kept in pairs (one male, one female) or with one male and several females to maintain harmony in the tank.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

This species demands high water quality with proper oxygenation. They require a deep sandy substrate (minimum 2 inches) for burrowing and may lose color in captivity, which can be mitigated with a varied, high-quality diet rich in pigments. Yellowhead wrasses are hermaphroditic, capable of changing gender from female to male as needed, and have specific dietary preferences, including larger crustaceans and various invertebrates.

Reef Suitability

Yellowhead wrasses are considered reef-safe with caution due to their potential threat towards small fish, sea urchins, snails, and crustaceans. They may feed on tubeworms and pose a risk to certain invertebrates within a reef environment.

Aquarium Setup

To set up an aquarium for Yellowhead wrasses, ensure a tank size of at least 700 liters with a deep sandy substrate for burrowing. Maintain water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12 dKH. Provide hiding spots and open swimming areas while ensuring secure tank lids to prevent jumping.

Behaviour

Yellowhead wrasses can display aggression towards similar species if not provided with enough space. They exhibit a unique behavior of smashing larger prey against rocks and have excellent biological clocks that may require time to readjust after transportation.

Feeding and Diet

These wrasses primarily feed on larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia. They are known to eat flatworms and pyramid snails, contributing to controlling pest populations in aquariums.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Yellowhead wrasses can exhibit dimorphism, with females capable of changing into males in the absence of a dominant male. Captive reproduction of this species can occur under suitable conditions, with changes in gender observed in aquarium settings.

Habitat and Distribution

Yellowhead wrasses are native to the Western Atlantic, ranging from Bermuda and southern Florida in the USA to southeastern Brazil. These fish inhabit various marine environments, including reefs and rocky bottoms, where they play a crucial role in controlling unwanted invertebrate populations.