Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
General Description: The Hardwicke Wrasse, also referred to as the Six Bar Wrasse, has a large distribution across the Indo-Pacific. Hardwicke wrasse have a pastel blue-green body with six wide black stripes that become smaller as you move toward the posterior end of the fish, and a “daisy” like pattern of bright pinkish-red-orange stripes around the eyes. A relatively hardy, inexpensive, and easy fish to care for, Hardwicke wrasse can be quite aggressive [even as juveniles] and are very active, requiring an open water column for swimming space. An adult Hardwicke wrasse can reach a size of approximately 8″.
Diet Requirements: Hardwicke wrasses are carnivores. A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, mussels, clams, krill, squid and other large chunks of frozen food (with some 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 wrasses have very high metabolisms. Hardwicke wrasses will also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety.
Care Requirements: An established, minimum 125 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Hardwicke wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. While a Hardwicke wrasse will appreciate some rock work to sleep within at night, they also require a lot of unobstructed, open swimming space given their activity level. Hardwicke wrasses are not reef safe because they will eat clean-up crew invertebrates and likely harass small fishes typical of reef aquariums. A Hardwicke wrasse would make an excellent addition to a fish only with live rock aquarium, and other tank mates that match its energetic and somewhat aggressive disposition such as triggerfish, pufferfish, larger angelfish, and tangs. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Large: 4” to 5”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
