Bodião arco-íris
(Halichoeres melanurus)

Description

Melanurus Wrasse: A Dazzling Jewel for Your Reef

Add a splash of vibrant colour and ceaseless activity to your marine aquarium with the stunning Melanurus Wrasse. Known for its brilliant hues and beneficial pest control habits, this wrasse is a true aquatic gem.

Overview

The Melanurus Wrasse (*Halichoeres melanurus*) is a highly active and beautifully patterned fish. Males display an intricate palette of blue-green, orange, yellow, and red horizontal stripes across their elongated bodies, often with a distinctive diagonal pattern on the tail. Females and juveniles exhibit more subdued silvery-blue bodies with yellow stripes and characteristic eyespots on their dorsal and caudal fins. These wrasses are constantly foraging, gracefully darting among rockwork and substrate, bringing dynamic movement to your tank.

Care Level

Considered a moderately hardy species, the Melanurus Wrasse is suitable for aquarists with some experience. They are generally peaceful towards most tank mates but may show aggression towards other wrasses of similar size or shape. Exercise caution with ornamental shrimps, crabs, and other small invertebrates, as these active carnivores may view them as prey. A tight-fitting lid is essential due to their jumping tendencies.

Tank Essentials

An adult Melanurus Wrasse requires a minimum aquarium size of 285 litres (75 gallons) to accommodate its active swimming and growth. Crucially, your tank must feature a fine sandy substrate at least 5-7.5 cm deep, as this species burrows into the sand for sleep and protection. Maintain stable water parameters with a pH range of 8.1-8.4 and a temperature of 24-28°C.

Diet

As a carnivorous species, the Melanurus Wrasse thrives on a varied diet. Offer high-quality meaty foods such as vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, and chopped seafood. They will also actively hunt for small invertebrates like flatworms, bristleworms, and pyramid snails in your aquarium, making them excellent natural pest controllers.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Melanurus Wrasse online from us, you’re choosing healthy aquarium fish carefully acclimated and ethically sourced. We prioritise the well-being of every specimen, ensuring they arrive vibrant and ready to thrive in your marine environment. Trust our commitment to quality and responsible fishkeeping.

• Scientific Name: *Halichoeres melanurus*
• Common Name / Variant: Melanurus Wrasse / Tail-Spot Wrasse
• Maximum Size: 12 cm
• Origin: Western Pacific (Japan, Great Barrier Reef, Samoa, Tonga, Indonesia, Philippines)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• Lifespan: 5–8 years
• Swimming Zone: Mid | Bottom

Add this captivating Melanurus Wrasse to your collection today!