Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Jewelled Wrasse, also known as the Mauritius Jewel Leopard Wrasse, is found in the Indian Ocean. This species rarely makes its way into the aquarium trade, thus making it a highly sought after fish and one that has a price tag to match. Upon first glance, one may think that the Jewelled wrasse belongs to the leopard wrasse genus Macropharyngodon. That’s exactly where Jack Randall placed this species when he first described it, however upon closer examination of the characters typical of members within the genus Macropharyngodon, including pharyngeal teeth, none of his Jewelled wrasse specimens had them. Because of this, the Jewelled wrasse was then placed into the genus of Halichoeres wrasses. It is thought that given the phenotypic and behavioral similarities of the Jewelled wrasse to leopard wrasses, that it is the ancestral species to the genus Macropharyngodon. While the Jewelled wrasse is not as easy to care for as some of the other Halichoeres wrasses, it is not as delicate as true Macropharyngodon wrasses – one could say this wrasse is the best of both worlds! Like all wrasses in the genus Halichoeres, the Jewelled 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. Jewelled wrasses are quite unique in coloration with an emerald face and a dark reddish-maroon colored body that’s decorated with “jewel-like” spots. A Jewelled wrasse not only makes for a spectacular presence in a reef aquarium, but they also have an incredible natural ability to control and eliminate nuisance red Planaria flatworms and pyramidellid snails that sometimes hitch hike on corals or live rock. This behavior is exhibited across most Halichoeres wrasses. Jewelled wrasses are one of the few that will tolerate being kept in small groups of their own kind, but we suggest adding all individuals at once. Jewelled wrasses can reach a size of approximately 4″.
Diet Requirements: Jewelled wrasses are carnivores, actively hunting tiny crustaceans (e.g., copepods, amphipods) 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 Jewelled wrasse as it would feed in the wild. Jewelled wrasses might 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 Jewelled wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Jewelled 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. Jewelled wrasses are not nearly as hardy as some of the other Halichoeres species; they are very intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and will not endure deteriorating water parameters. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm). Given their peaceful nature, a Jewelled wrasse should not be kept with overly aggressive species, especially those that can outcompete it in food resources. It is best to add a Jewelled wrasse before larger or more active fish in order to allow it to acclimate to the environment. Jewelled wrasses are compatible with other peaceful wrasses, including some other Halichoeres species, and fairy or flasher wrasses. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Medium: 2-1/2” to 3”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.