Two-tone Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widespread in the Western Pacific, from Indonesia, Philippines, and Taiwan to New Guinea, the Great Barrier Reef, and Samoa. Found in coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes down to 40 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae. Features a slender, compressed body typical of Halichoeres wrasses. Reaches a maximum length of 13 cm.

Social Behavior: Diurnal and active swimmer. Solitary in nature, showing peaceful behavior towards other reef species. Males will defend territory from other wrasses.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is shaded from a greyish-blue or purple front half to a bright yellow-orange rear half. Juveniles have black longitudinal stripes that disappear as they mature.

Aquarium Setup: Demands an aquarium of at least 200 liters with plenty of swimming space and a soft sand bed of 5-8 cm for sleeping. A tight-fitting lid is essential.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on zooplankton and benthic organisms. Accepts frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets. Helps control flatworms and other reef pests.

Water Quality: Maintain standard marine parameters: temperature 23-28 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.025. Efficient filtration and moderate flow are recommended.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Safe for reef tanks with caution. Peaceful towards most tankmates. May prey on very small ornamental shrimps and snails.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Spawning involves pelagic eggs broadcasted into the water. No successful captive breeding records in home aquariums.

Risks and Diseases: Stress due to lack of sandy substrate can compromise its health. Susceptible to common ectoparasites under stressful conditions.