Halichoeres melanurus

Datasheet

General Description

The Tail-spot wrasse, scientifically known as Halichoeres melanurus, belongs to the Labridae family and is a popular choice in aquariums for its attractive appearance and effectiveness in controlling flatworms and pyramid snails. These fish are generally more peaceful compared to other species used for similar purposes but may become too large for smaller aquariums over time.

Aquarium Suitability

With an average hardiness level, the Tail-spot wrasse is suitable for aquariums but requires careful consideration due to its eating habits. These fish are known to consume tubeworms, making them a threat to snails and crustaceans like shrimps and crabs, especially if small. They also tend to jump out of open aquariums, requiring secure tank lids to prevent escapes.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Tail-spot wrasses are mostly peaceful but can show aggression towards similar species, so it's essential to monitor their behavior when housed with other fish. They have specific habitat requirements, needing a deep sandy substrate of at least 2 inches to burrow when feeling threatened or for sleeping. Due to being sensitive during transportation, extra care is necessary to ensure their well-being when acclimatizing to a new aquarium.

Reef Suitability

Considered reef safe with caution, these wrasses can be housed in a reef environment but need careful monitoring. Their diet includes larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and zooplankton. While they can help combat pyramid snails in reef tanks, there's a possibility of individual variations in feeding behavior.

Aquarium Setup

To set up an aquarium suitable for Tail-spot wrasses, provide a tank with a minimum capacity of 300 liters and maintain water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. Ensuring a well-oxygenated environment with adequate hiding spots and a secure lid is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

These wrasses exhibit interesting behaviors such as digging themselves into the sand when threatened or needing rest. They also have a unique feeding behavior of smashing larger prey against rocks, which should be considered when housing them with smaller tank mates.

Feeding and Diet

Tail-spot wrasses have a varied diet that includes larger crustaceans, other invertebrates, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and zooplankton. However, individual preferences may vary, and some specimens may refuse certain foods, requiring close observation during feeding.

Dimorphism

Being hermaphroditic, Tail-spot wrasses can change gender from female to male. In a group setting, they function best as a pair (one male, one female) or with one male and several females, creating a harmonious social dynamic in the aquarium.

Habitat and Distribution

The Tail-spot wrasse is commonly found in the Western Pacific region, ranging from Japan to the Great Barrier Reef and extending east to Samoa and Tonga. In the Indian Ocean, they are replaced by Halichoeres vrolikii, indicating a specific distribution pattern for this species.