Red Lined Wrasse
Red Lined Wrasse
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FAQs Answers to the most common questions.
What is the minimum aquarium size and essential setup?
Provide an established aquarium of at least 50 gallons, with 60 gallons offering more comfortable swimming room. Include fine sand deep enough for complete burial, substantial rockwork, open water, and a secure lid.
Can a Red Lined Wrasse be kept with corals and ornamental shrimp?
It generally does not eat soft or stony corals, but ornamental shrimp and other mobile invertebrates may be hunted. Sand diving and active foraging can also disturb bottom-placed corals, so reef use calls for caution.
Why does a newly added specimen disappear for days?
This wrasse buries itself in fine sand when frightened and at night, and fresh arrivals often stay under the substrate for several days. Leave the sand undisturbed and evaluate feeding once the fish emerges normally.
All listed sizes are approximate, not guaranteed, and may vary slightly.
Introduction to Saltwater Wrasse
Wrasses are fast-swimming, intelligent reef fish known for their striking coloration, active behavior, and diverse personalities. Found in coral reefs and sandy lagoons, these fish thrive in aquariums with rockwork and open swimming space. Many wrasses also serve as natural pest controllers, preying on small invertebrates like bristle worms and pyramid snails. With over 600 species, wrasses range from peaceful reef-safe fish to semi-aggressive predators, making species selection crucial when adding them to an aquarium.
Care Requirements
Care Level: Easy to Moderate – Requires a secure aquarium and proper tankmates Minimum Tank Size: 50 – 125+ gallons Smaller species (e.g., Six-Line Wrasse) – 50+ gallons Larger species (e.g., Harlequin Tusk Wrasse) – 125+ gallons Aquarium Setup: Requires live rock, hiding spots, and a sand bed for burrowing species Wrasses are active and curious, needing ample swimming room. Some species, like the Melanurus Wrasse, prefer a sand bed to burrow in at night.
Diet & Nutrition
Wrasses are carnivorous and require a varied diet of meaty foods to maintain their health and coloration. Diet: Carnivorous – Prefers small invertebrates and protein-rich foods
Recommended Foods:
Mysis shrimp and brine shrimp High-quality marine pellets and flakes Copepods, amphipods, and live prey for finicky eaters Regular feedings enhance their coloration and natural pest-control abilities in reef aquariums.
Lifespan & Growth Rate
Lifespan: 5-10+ years Growth Rate: Moderate – Most species reach 4-8 inches, but some exceed 12 inches With proper care and a nutritious diet, wrasses can live over a decade in captivity.
Temperament & Compatibility
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive – Varies by species
Common Challenges & Considerations
Jumping Risk: Wrasses are notorious jumpers—a tight-fitting lid is mandatory. Potential Coral Nipping: Some wrasses may pick at small invertebrates or corals. Burrowing Behavior: Sand-dwelling wrasses require a soft sand bed to sleep in at night. Water Conditions Temperature: 74-80°F dKH (Alkalinity): 8-12 pH: 8.1-8.4 Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025 Wrasses thrive in stable, high-quality reef conditions with strong water flow and oxygenation.
Color Varieties & Popular Species
Wrasses come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a stunning addition to saltwater aquariums. Six-Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) – Vibrant purple and orange stripes, known for being territorial Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) – Excellent pest controller, with green and orange markings Radiant Wrasse (Halichoeres iridis) – Striking yellow and red coloration, peaceful nature Christmas Wrasse (Halichoeres claudia) – Beautiful red and green coloration, active and playful
