{"product_id":"greyhead-wrasse","title":"Greyhead Wrasse","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Greyhead Wrasse, \u003cem\u003eHalichoeres leucurus\u003c\/em\u003e, is an attractive and active marine wrasse known for its changing coloration and energetic foraging behavior. Females and younger individuals typically display a greenish body marked with fine blue longitudinal lines and dark eyespots, while mature males develop the characteristic gray-toned head, brighter facial markings, and rows of orange spots across the body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Western Pacific, this saltwater fish occurs from the Philippines and New Guinea north to the Yaeyama Islands, south to Indonesia, and east to Palau. It inhabits shallow coral-rich lagoons and inner reef channels, particularly areas containing mixed coral, algae, sand, and rubble. In nature, it spends much of the day searching the substrate and reef structure for small benthic invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaching approximately 5 inches as an adult, the Greyhead Wrasse makes an active and colorful addition to established marine aquariums. It is generally suitable for fish-only systems as well as carefully planned reef aquariums, although its natural appetite for small invertebrates means ornamental crustaceans and other tiny reef inhabitants may be at risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Pacific – Philippines, New Guinea, southern Japan, Indonesia, and Palau\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHalichoeres leucurus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature aquarium with ample open swimming space, stable live rock, and a suitable sand bed. The Greyhead Wrasse is an active fish that spends much of the day moving between the rockwork and substrate while searching for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA bed of fine, soft sand is important because this species buries itself at night and may also dive into the substrate when frightened. Avoid coarse or sharp gravel that could cause injury during this natural behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange rockwork securely with caves and crevices while leaving open areas for swimming and foraging. Moderate to strong water movement and efficient filtration are appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tightly fitted lid or mesh cover is essential. Like many \u003cem\u003eHalichoeres\u003c\/em\u003e wrasses, this species is an accomplished jumper and may escape through surprisingly small openings when startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Greyhead Wrasse is a carnivore that naturally feeds on small benthic invertebrates found among sand, algae, rubble, and reef structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn captivity, provide a varied diet including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, krill, clam, quality frozen marine blends, copepods, and appropriately sized marine pellets. Established live rock also provides opportunities for natural foraging throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed one to two times daily, with smaller additional feedings beneficial when practical. Newly introduced specimens may spend considerable time hunting within the rockwork and substrate before becoming fully accustomed to prepared foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Greyhead Wrasse is generally active and moderately assertive without being among the most aggressive wrasses. It can coexist successfully with a variety of peaceful to semi-aggressive marine fish when adequate space and hiding areas are provided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include clownfish, tangs, dwarf angelfish, rabbitfish, larger gobies, blennies, and other compatible community species. Very timid fish may be intimidated by its constant activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse caution when housing it with other \u003cem\u003eHalichoeres\u003c\/em\u003e wrasses or similarly shaped species, particularly in smaller aquariums. Territorial behavior may become more pronounced as males mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single specimen is the most straightforward choice for most aquariums, although this species may occur singly or in pairs in its natural habitat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Greyhead Wrasse is generally coral-safe and does not normally consume SPS, LPS, or soft corals. It is best classified as \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe with caution\u003c\/strong\u003e, however, because small mobile invertebrates form an important part of its natural diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTiny shrimp, small crabs, worms, amphipods, copepods, and other benthic organisms may be hunted. Very small snails and other vulnerable invertebrates may also be investigated as the wrasse matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can work well in a mixed reef aquarium when the keeper accepts some predation on small invertebrates and natural reef microfauna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable temperature, salinity, and overall water quality are more important than maintaining one exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaches approximately 5 inches and remains an active swimmer that benefits from ample horizontal swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fine sand bed is essential for its natural nighttime burying behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the aquarium securely covered because this species can jump when startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall crustaceans, worms, and other benthic invertebrates may be hunted even though corals are generally ignored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColoration changes with maturity, with adult males developing the characteristic gray head and more pronounced orange spotting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Male \/ M","offer_id":52788104724778,"sku":"WRAxGreyM","price":134.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Male \/ ML","offer_id":52788112392490,"sku":"WRAxGreyML","price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Male \/ LG","offer_id":52788112425258,"sku":"WRAxGreyL","price":179.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Male \/ XL","offer_id":52788112458026,"sku":"WRAxGreyX","price":209.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ T","offer_id":52788117864746,"sku":"WRAxFGreyT","price":80.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ S","offer_id":52788117897514,"sku":"WRAxFGreyS","price":95.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ SM","offer_id":52788117930282,"sku":"WRAxFGreySM","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ M","offer_id":52788117963050,"sku":"WRAxFGreyM","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Greyhead-Wrasse_1efa8c7b-2ce7-4879-a06b-736ef1aef3c2.png?v=1790624347","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/greyhead-wrasse","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}