Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Green Wrasse, also known as the Pastel-Green Wrasse, is found throughout the Indo-Pacific. Like all wrasses in the genus Halichoeres, the Green wrasse absolutely requires a moderately-sized to fine sandy substrate in order to be able to bury themselves at night for protection or if felt threatened during daylight. In fact, it is very common for your newly introduced wrasse to immediately bury themselves once released into the aquarium. The Green wrasse adds a pop of lime green to the aquarium at any life stage or sex. Juvenile or female Yellow wrasses may retain a black spot or two in their dorsal fin, while males tend to have none. Green wrasses are sought after for not only their active and colorful presence, but for their incredible natural ability to control and eliminate nuisance red Planaria flatworms, fireworms and pyramidellid snails that sometimes hitch hike on corals or live rock. This behavior is exhibited across most Halichoeres wrasses. Green wrasses can reach a size of approximately 8″. Some established adult specimens have been observed to exhibit slightly more territorial behavior.
Diet Requirements: Green wrasses are carnivores, actively hunting tiny crustaceans (e.g., copepods, featherdusters) throughout the day. A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, calanus and other mixed frozen foods that contain algae, such as spirulina, will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as these wrasses have very high metabolisms. Multiple, small feedings per day rather than one large feeding can also help and in turn create more of a natural environment for a Green wrasse as it would feed in the wild. Green wrasses will also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety.
Care Requirements: An established, minimum 75 gallon aquarium with a 3″ sandbed at the very least is needed for a Green wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Green wrasses enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to swim through and around while they hunt. Such live rock arrangements can also help to make it feel secure and encourage more outgoing behavior. Given their generally peaceful nature as juveniles when sold, a Green wrasse should not be kept with overly aggressive species, especially those that can outcompete it in food resources. It is best to add a Green wrasse before larger or more active fish in order to allow it to acclimate to the environment. Use discretion based on the wrasse’s size for appropriate tank mates. Green wrasses are compatible with other peaceful wrasses, including different species in Halichoeres. Given that the Green wrasse is a “true” reef associated species, they feel most at home in such an environment. Corals will be left unharmed, though with an appetite for undesirable invertebrates (i.e., planaria, fireworms, and nuisance snails), keep in mind that sometimes a Green wrasse may make a mistake on decorative invertebrates. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 1/2″ to 1-1/4″; Medium: 1-1/4″ to 2″; Large: 2″ to 3″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.