Checkerboard Wrasse

Halichoeres Hortulanus

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Diet: Carnivore
• Max. Size: 28cm
• Origin: Great Barrier Reef

Halichoeres Wrasse should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work should be provided for grazing and foraging behaviors. Halichoeres Wrasse will bury themselves in the sand at night and if startled, provide a deep sand bed. They may pick at crustaceans and fan worms. A diet of meaty and algae-based foods are readily accepted by Halichoeres Wrasse. Males and females generally exhibit color or pattern differences. Halichoeres Wrasse are hardy and well adapted to aquarium life. Harems of 1 male and a couple of females can cohabitate well if added at the same time but can become a bit territorial if added separately. Wrasse are hermaphrodites meaning they start as juveniles/females but at some point in their life may turn into a male. Wrasse are jumpers be sure to provide an aquarium with a tight-fitting lid.

The Checkerboard Wrasse are also sometimes known as the Chequered, Fourspot or Wall Wrasse. Colours may vary depending upon maturity, collection area or breeding period. Males are a silver to white colour with a black checkerboard pattern, light green face with orange to pink striped marking and a yellow dorsal fin and tail. Females are similar however are a bit subdued while juveniles are mottled black and with with yellow spots around their head and yellow trimmed spots on their dorsal and tail fin. Checkerboard Wrasse can grow up to 28cm in length.

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 500L or larger for this species.

Due to variations within species and age of fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.