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Yellowstripe Wrasse

Halichoeres nicholsi

A very large wrasse requiring highly spacious aquariums with a deep layer of fine sand.

Family
Labridae
Origin
Oceano Pacifico orientale: dal Golfo di California fino al Perù e isole Galapagos.
Origin
Tropical oceans and reefsExtra-Amazon South AmericaNorth America
Tank use
Used in 0 tanks

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Species challenges
Water Temperature

20 °C - 25 °C

pH Value

8.1 - 8.4

Water type

Marine

Tank level

Bottom and middle

Adult size

30 cm

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Eastern Pacific Ocean: Gulf of California to Peru and Galapagos Islands.

Taxonomy and Morphology: A member of the Labridae family, it features a slender, laterally compressed body design. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 30.0 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 500.0 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
Semi-aggressivo da adulto, territoriale verso simili o pesci piccoli introducibili dopo.
Diet
Carnivoro. Divora crostacei, molluschi, vermi, mysis e cibo in granuli grossi.
Tank level
Bottom and middle
Minimum group
1
Adult size
30 cm
Minimum tank volume
500 L
GH
n/a
KH
n/a
TDS
n/a
Conductivity
n/a
Sex ratio
Singolo
Feeding frequency
2-3 volte al giorno
Bioload
High
Flow
Moderato
Jump risk
Covered tank required
Reproduction
Non riprodotto in acquario. Ermafrodita protogino.
Compatibility & tankmates
Non sicuro con piccoli invertebrati. Reef-safe solo con coralli duri e molli.

Ecological Estimates & Biological Models

Trophic level
4 ± 0.61 se
Resilience
Medium (1.4 - 4.4 years)
Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
0.5
Bayesian Length-Weight
a = 0.01, b = 3.09
VulnerabilityLow to moderate vulnerability (28 / 100)

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