Supplies ships FREE over $49

5 Day Guarantee & 90 Day Returns

Split-Pay with Paypal, Affirm, & Shop Pay

Notice: Video grid is best viewed on wi-fi connection.

Wrasses

(9 items)

Known for their vibrant colors, playful behavior, and constant movement, saltwater wrasses are a fantastic addition to many marine aquariums. Our Wrasse Collection includes hardy, reef-safe species as well as active pest hunters that help maintain a clean and balanced tank ecosystem.

From reef-friendly Halichoeres species to stunning flasher wrasses, these fish bring nonstop activity and bright splashes of color to your display. With a wide range of sizes and temperaments, there’s a perfect wrasse for almost any tank setup.

Dive Deeper: Info & Tips for Saltwater Wrasses

Saltwater wrasses are among the most active and colorful fish in the marine aquarium hobby. Known for their constant motion, brilliant colors, and diverse personalities, wrasses bring energy and utility to any saltwater tank. At Top Shelf Aquatics, we offer a wide range of saltwater wrasses for sale, including reef-safe favorites like the Six Line Wrasse, Melanurus Wrasse, and Leopard Wrasse.

Wrasses come in many shapes and sizes, with temperaments ranging from peaceful to semi-aggressive. Some species are ideal for pest control, actively hunting bristleworms and flatworms, while others are prized for their show-stopping coloration and movement. Whether you're looking for a reef-safe addition or a functional tankmate, our collection includes wrasses suited for tanks of all sizes.

Saltwater wrasses are fast swimmers and active explorers that need plenty of open water to move and a secure lid to prevent jumping. Many species are reef safe, though care should be taken with wrasses that grow larger or become more territorial as they mature. Species like the Six Line Wrasse and Melanurus Wrasse are known for their hardiness and pest-hunting behavior, making them popular choices for reef aquariums.

Leopard Wrasses, on the other hand, are more delicate and require a mature tank with a deep sand bed to support their natural burrowing behavior. They can be shy at first but are peaceful and reef safe when established.


Top Saltwater Wrasses

Here are some of the most popular wrasses we recommend for saltwater aquariums:

Six Line Wrasse – A reef-safe, pest-eating wrasse known for its agility and bold striping. It’s hardy and great for smaller systems but may become territorial.

Melanurus Wrasse – Vibrant and peaceful, this wrasse is a favorite for reef tanks due to its utility in controlling pests like flatworms and its compatibility with a wide range of tank mates.

Leopard Wrasse – Delicate but beautiful, these wrasses require a mature tank with deep sand beds. Once established, they’re peaceful, reef safe, and active throughout the day.

Yellow Coris Wrasse – Easy to care for and extremely hardy, this wrasse is a peaceful addition to many reef tanks and buries itself in sand to sleep.

Mystery Wrasse – With striking coloration and a playful personality, the Mystery Wrasse is a reef-safe option for larger tanks looking for a unique centerpiece.


Ideal Parameter Range

  • Salinity: 1.023–1.026
  • Temperature: 74–80°F
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: Less than 20 ppm

Setting Up the Right Aquarium for Wrasses

The ideal wrasse setup varies depending on the species. Most wrasses need a tank of at least 40 gallons, though larger species may require 75 gallons or more. Provide ample rockwork for hiding and territories, open swimming space, and, for sand-sleeping species, a soft sand bed of at least 2–3 inches.


A tight-fitting lid is essential—many wrasses are jumpers and can escape through even small openings. Compatibility also matters: while many wrasses are peaceful, some (like the Six Line) can become aggressive toward similar-shaped fish or new additions if the tank is small or overcrowded.


Feeding Saltwater Wrasses

Wrasses are carnivores that thrive on a varied, protein-rich diet. Feed a mix of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Many wrasses will also graze on pods and pests in the tank, contributing to overall system health.


Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions to maintain energy and coloration. Timid species like Leopard Wrasses may need target feeding or extra time to adjust to aquarium foods.

Why Buy Wrasses from Top Shelf Aquatics?

At Top Shelf Aquatics, we provide healthy wrasses that are conditioned to eat and adapt well to aquarium life. Whether you're looking for utility, color, or both, our saltwater wrasses for sale include a range of options from Six Line and Melanurus Wrasses to beautiful Leopard Wrasses and more.


With expert care and support, we help you choose the right wrasse for your system and ensure a successful introduction to your reef or FOWLR tank.

Saltwater Wrasses FAQs

Are all wrasses reef safe?

Most wrasses offered at Top Shelf Aquatics are reef safe, but some may nip at invertebrates or become territorial. Always research species-specific behavior.

What size tank do wrasses need?

Most wrasses require at least 40 gallons. Larger and more active species may need 75+ gallons with ample swim space.

Do wrasses eat pests?

Yes! Many wrasses, like the Six Line and Melanurus, help control bristleworms, flatworms, and small pests.

Do wrasses sleep in the sand?

Some species, like Leopard and Melanurus Wrasses, bury themselves in the sand to sleep or when stressed. These species require a soft sand bed.

What’s the best wrasse for a reef tank?

The Melanurus Wrasse and Leopard Wrasse are popular reef-safe options. The Six Line Wrasse is also reef safe but can become territorial in smaller tanks.