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Orange-striped Wrasse

Halichoeres chrysotaenia

An active pest predator, ideal for cleaning reef tanks of nudibranchs and flatworms.

Family
Labridae
Origin
Oceano Pacifico occidentale: Indonesia, Filippine e Australia settentrionale.
Origin
Tropical oceans and reefsSouth and Southeast AsiaAustralia, New Guinea, and Oceania
Tank use
Used in 0 tanks

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Species challenges
Water Temperature

22 °C - 26 °C

pH Value

8.1 - 8.4

Water type

Marine

Tank level

Bottom and middle

Adult size

12 cm

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Western Pacific Ocean: Indonesia, Philippines, and northern Australia.

Taxonomy and Morphology: A member of the Labridae family, it features a slender, laterally compressed body design. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 12.0 cm.

Social Behavior: Shows a highly active and peaceful behavior. Dominant males may display minor intraspecific territoriality during breeding parading.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The coloration is exceptionally vivid, characteristic of reef-dwelling wrasses. Sexual dimorphism is prominent, with males showing brighter colors.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 250.0 liters with plenty of live rock shelters. A tight-fitting lid is mandatory to prevent jumping out.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Feed zooplankton, frozen foods like mysis and brine shrimp, alongside high-quality marine pellets.

Water Quality: Reef parameters with pH 8.1-8.4, gravity 1.023-1.025, and low nitrates are critical.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Peaceful reef companion. Suitable for community tanks. Keep only one male per aquarium to avoid fighting.

Aquarium Breeding: Egg scatterer. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Spawning in private aquaria has not been documented successfully.

Risks and Diseases: High risk of jumping. Prone to skin damage if stressed by aggressive tankmates. Maintain stable water conditions.

Fish profile

Temperament
Pacifico, molto socievole con pesci diversi, dorme nella sabbia.
Diet
Carnivoro. Si nutre di zooplancton, congelato vario e piccoli invertebrati bentonici.
Tank level
Bottom and middle
Minimum group
1
Adult size
12 cm
Minimum tank volume
250 L
GH
n/a
KH
n/a
TDS
n/a
Conductivity
n/a
Sex ratio
Singolo
Feeding frequency
2 volte al giorno
Bioload
Medium
Flow
Moderato
Jump risk
Covered tank required
Reproduction
Ermafrodita protogino. Riproduzione in cattività estremamente rara e non documentata.
Compatibility & tankmates
Reef-safe con cautela. Può mangiare gamberetti ornamentali di taglia molto piccola.

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

Related species

Other recommended species with similar care requirements and water parameters.

Last updated: 06/13/2026