Halichoeres hartzfeldii

Datasheet

General Description:Hartzfeld's wrasse, scientifically known as Halichoeres hartzfeldii, belongs to the Labridae family. These fish are highly popular in aquariums due to their attractiveness and effectiveness in controlling flatworms and pyramid snails. They are generally more peaceful compared to other wrasse species but can grow too large for smaller tanks. Halichoeres wrasses exhibit a range of feeding behaviors, from consuming small invertebrates to crushing crustaceans. When threatened or sleeping, they have a tendency to burrow into the sand for protection.

Aquarium Suitability:Classified as suitable with care, Hartzfeld's wrasse requires a minimum tank size of 700 liters. It is vital to keep them in pairs (one male, one female) or one male with multiple females for optimal functionality. These wrasses can display aggression towards similar fish species and need ample space to thrive. Additionally, they are known to jump out of open aquariums, so proper tank covering is essential.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness:With a hardy nature, Hartzfeld's wrasse is sensitive during transportation and acclimatization into the aquarium. They necessitate a deep sandy substrate for burrowing, food rich in pigment to maintain coloration, and plenty of swimming space within the tank. These wrasses have a unique ability to change gender from female to male when required.

Reef Suitability:Reef safe with caution, these wrasses may pose a threat to sea urchins, snails, and small crustaceans within a reef environment. Careful consideration should be taken when introducing them to a reef tank with such inhabitants.

Aquarium Setup:For housing Hartzfeld's wrasse, an aquarium with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a carbonate hardness level of 8-12 dKH is recommended. Adequate hiding spots, live rock structures, and a deep sandy substrate of at least 5 cm are essential for their well-being.

Behaviour:These wrasses exhibit aggressive tendencies towards similar species and require careful observation when paired with tankmates. They have a natural inclination to swim in open waters and should be provided with a spacious environment to facilitate this behavior.

Feeding and Diet:Hartzfeld's wrasse thrives on a diet consisting of larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia. They are known to feed on flatworms and pyramid snails, making them useful in controlling these pests in an aquarium setting.

Habitat and Distribution:Native to the Western Pacific region, specifically tropical areas north to southern Japan, Halichoeres hartzfeldii may be considered a subspecies of Halichoeres zeylonsis from the Indian Ocean. Occurrences of this species have also been recorded in Indonesia and Mentawai Island. In the wild, they are typically found in diverse reef environments rich in invertebrate life.