Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Christmas Wrasse, also known as the Claudia’s Wrasse, is found throughout the Indo-Pacific with exceptional specimens coming from locations such as Fiji or Australia. Like all wrasses in the genus Halichoeres, the Christmas 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. Christmas wrasses are one of the most docile of all Halichoeres wrasses and they have the beauty to match this wonderful temperament! In particular, their jade green color against red patterning is just so striking. This wrasse is not only sought after for their active and colorful 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. Christmas wrasses can reach a size of approximately 5″. Note: Our preferred locations to stock Christmas Wrasse from are Fiji and Australia.

Diet Requirements: Christmas 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 Christmas wrasse as it would feed in the wild. Christmas 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 Christmas wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Christmas wrasses enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to swim through and around while they hunt, but some open swimming space should also be provided for this species. Such live rock arrangements can also help to make it feel secure and encourage more outgoing behavior. Given their peaceful nature, a Christmas wrasse should not be kept with overly aggressive species, especially those that can outcompete it in food resources. Christmas wrasses are compatible with other peaceful wrasses, including different species in Halichoeres, though it is best to add them all at once for the best chance at success. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 1″ to 3″; Medium: 3-1/4” to 4″; Large: 4-1/4″ to 5″

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