Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

General Description: The Black Stripe Wrasse, also known as the Slippery Dick Wrasse, is native throughout the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Like all wrasses in the genus Halichoeres, the Black stripe 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. As juveniles, Black stripe wrasses have a pale body with a dark horizontal stripe through the middle of their body. As they mature, Black stripe wrasses develop more color in their bodies including yellows, greens and blues. The dark stripe they had as juveniles may remain, typically in females), or be replaced with two less prominent horizontal stripes. There is a lot of variation in color and patterning in this species depending on sex and age. A Black stripe wrasse may be sought after for not only their active presence in a reef aquarium, but for their 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. Black stripe wrasses can reach a size of approximately 10″.

Diet Requirements: Black stripe 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, 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 Black stripe wrasse as it would feed in the wild. Black stripe wrasses will also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety.

Care Requirements: An established, minimum 90 gallon aquarium with a 3″ sandbed at the very least is needed for a Black stripe wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Black stripe 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. Black stripe wrasses are one of the more semi-aggressive members in the genus, though this behavior will likely be exhibited more as an adult. Very large specimens could predate on small ornamental shrimps, hence why they are to be added into a reef setting “with caution.” Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Juvenile Medium: 2-3/4″ to 3-3/4″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.