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Melanurus Wrasse
Halichoeres melanurus
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📖 Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most beautiful wrasses in the hobby — males display vivid green, orange, red, and blue with a distinctive black tail spot. Excellent pest hunter — actively eats pyramidellid snails, flatworms, and fireworms. Sleeps buried in sand. Needs a sand bed. Jumper — keep lid on.
CARE
Intermediate
AGGRESSION
Low
MAX SIZE
5"
⚠ ADD WITH CAUTION
· Tank needs 3 more months of maturity
💰 BUDGET PICK
VALUE
WOW FACTOR
TYPICAL PRICE
~$30–50
Spectacular color in mature males plus active pest control. Excellent all-rounder.
🌊 WATER PARAMS
ParamStatusIdeal
TemperatureOK (78.4)72–80 °F
SalinityOK (1.025)1.023–1.027 sg
pHOK (8.22)8.1–8.4
Nitrate NO₃⁻OK (8.0)0–20 ppm
Tank Compatibility
Ocellaris ClownfishCompatible
Royal GrammaCompatible
Tailspot BlennyCompatible
Firefish GobyCaution
Yellow TangCompatible
Six Line WrasseIncompatible
Orchid DottybackCompatible
Torch CoralCompatible
Hammer CoralCompatible
Acropora SPSCompatible
Duncan CoralCompatible
Skunk Cleaner ShrimpCompatible
Turbo SnailCompatible
Blue Leg Hermit CrabCompatible