Melanurus Wrasse

Also known as Tail Spot Wrasse, Hoeven’s Wrasse

The Melanurus Wrasse is a highly functional and attractive species displaying blue-green coloration with distinctive tail spotting. This active sand-sifting wrasse is prized for its pest control abilities and is an excellent addition to reef aquariums needing natural flatworm and bristleworm control.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Halichoeres melanurus
• Common Names: Melanurus Wrasse, Tail Spot Wrasse, Hoeven’s Wrasse
• Adult Size: Up to 5 inches
• Lifespan: 5-7 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful and reef safe
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe (with caution regarding small ornamental shrimp)
• Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons minimum
• Experience Level: Beginner; one of the hardiest wrasse species

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide live rock with caves and a sandy substrate (1-2 inches minimum) for burying at night. These active wrasses patrol all areas of the aquarium hunting for food. Secure lid recommended as they can jump when startled.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Good water quality required
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Protein skimmer
  • Adequate filtration
  • Moderate water circulation

Diet & Feeding

Melanurus Wrasses are carnivorous hunters with varied dietary needs:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets, enriched flake foods
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, marine cuisine
• Live Foods: Will naturally hunt flatworms, bristleworms, pyramidellid snails, and other pests
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily
• Special Note: Excellent natural pest control; will actively hunt unwanted invertebrates

Notes & Considerations

• Males display a blue-green body with distinctive black spot on tail and yellow-orange facial markings.
• Completely reef safe with corals; may occasionally hunt small ornamental shrimp.
• One of the best natural pest controllers, actively hunts flatworms, bristleworms, and pyramidellid snails.
• Buries in sand at night; this is normal and healthy behavior.
• One of the hardiest wrasse species; excellent choice for beginners.
• Very active swimmer that patrols throughout the entire aquarium.
• Generally peaceful but may chase very small, timid fish.
• Secure lid recommended; can jump if startled or chased.
• Adapts quickly to aquarium life and accepts prepared foods readily.
• Sandy substrate required for long-term health and natural behavior.
• May eat small crustaceans like sexy shrimp or mini carpet anemone shrimp.

Why Choose a Quarantined Melanurus Wrasse?

Our quarantined Melanurus Wrasses are already acclimated to aquarium life, accepting all prepared foods, and displaying optimal health. This hardy species benefits from our observation period, ensuring you receive a robust specimen ready to provide both beauty and natural pest control in your reef aquarium.