Radiant Wrasse
(Halichoeres iridis)

Description

The common names for *Halichoeres iridis* include Radiant Wrasse, Iridis Wrasse, Orangehead Wrasse, and Radiant African Wrasse. “Radiant Wrasse” seems to be the most prevalent.

**Appearance and Behavior:** The Radiant Wrasse has a dark reddish-maroon body, a yellow face, and green lines on its face that become more prominent with age. They are active swimmers, constantly darting and hunting for small invertebrates throughout the day. They are known to burrow into the sand for sleep at night or when startled, requiring a deep sand bed. They are also known to jump, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

**Care Level:** The Radiant Wrasse is generally peaceful towards tankmates, but may show aggression towards others of its own species, especially other wrasses, so it’s best kept singly, in mated pairs, or a male with multiple females in a sufficiently large tank. They are considered moderate to intermediate care level and can be sensitive during transportation and acclimation. They are intolerant of nitrite or ammonia spikes and deteriorating water parameters.

**Tank Essentials:** Minimum tank size recommendations vary, but most sources suggest 189L (50 gallons) to 300L (79 gallons) or more. A sand bed of at least 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) is crucial. Water parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 23-27°C (72-78°F), salinity 1.020-1.026.

**Diet:** Radiant Wrasses are carnivores, actively hunting small crustaceans (e.g., copepods, amphipods) and often consuming flatworms and pyramidellid snails. Their diet should consist of various meaty preparations, including vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, and high-quality marine flake or pellet foods. Multiple small feedings per day are encouraged due to their high metabolism. They may occasionally pick at small ornamental shrimp and tubeworms.

**Maximum Size:** They can reach 11-12.5 cm (4-5 inches) in total length.

**Origin:** Western Indian Ocean: East African coast, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Chagos Archipelago.

**Lifespan:** Up to 10 years, with 5-8 years being a common range. Some sources suggest 3-5 years average. I will use 5-8 years as a more common and realistic expectation.

**Swimming Zone:** Primarily mid to bottom, as they forage around rockwork and burrow in the sand.

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Radiant Wrasse: A Dazzling Jewel for Your Reef

Add a splash of vibrant color and active energy to your marine aquarium with the stunning Radiant Wrasse. Its captivating hues and engaging foraging habits will mesmerize any observer.

Overview

The Radiant Wrasse (*Halichoeres iridis*) is a strikingly beautiful marine fish showcasing a reddish-maroon body that transitions into a vibrant yellow head adorned with intricate green lines. These active wrasses are constantly on the move, sifting through sand and rockwork in search of small invertebrates. They are known for their unique behavior of burrowing into the sand for rest at night or when startled.

Care Level

Considered an intermediate care species, the Radiant Wrasse is generally peaceful towards tankmates. However, they can be delicate during initial acclimation and may exhibit territoriality towards conspecifics or other wrasses if not introduced carefully or kept in a sufficiently large system.

Tank Essentials

A minimum tank size of 189 litres is recommended, increasing to 300 litres for groups. Crucially, your aquarium must feature a deep sand bed of at least 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) for burrowing. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as these wrasses are known jumpers. Maintain stable water parameters with a pH of 8.1-8.4 and temperatures between 23-27°C.

Diet

Radiant Wrasses are carnivores with a high metabolism. Offer a varied diet of vitamin-enriched meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, and chopped seafood multiple times a day. They will also happily consume nuisance flatworms and pyramidellid snails.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Radiant Wrasse online from us, you’re choosing healthy, ethically sourced marine fish. We prioritize responsible acclimation practices and ensure humane shipping, so your new aquatic companion arrives in prime condition, ready to thrive in your carefully prepared healthy aquarium fish environment.

• Scientific Name: Halichoeres iridis
• Common Name / Variant: Radiant Wrasse
• Maximum Size: 12.5 cm
• Origin: Western Indian Ocean (East African coast, Madagascar, Seychelles, Chagos Archipelago)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 23–27°C
• Lifespan: 5–8 years
• Swimming Zone: Mid | Bottom

Bring the dazzling Radiant Wrasse to your reef today!