Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

General Description: The Neon Wrasse, also known as the Yellowhead Wrasse, is native throughout the western Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Brazil. Like all wrasses in the genus Halichoeres, the Neon 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, Neon wrasses have a yellow body with a thin, purple-blue horizontal stripe through the middle of their body. As they mature, Neon wrasses develop a yellow anterior end and a grey posterior end that’s separated by a vertical black stripe. A Neon 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. Neon wrasses can reach a size of approximately 8″.

Diet Requirements: Neon 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 Neon wrasse as it would feed in the wild. Neon 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 Neon wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Neon 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. Neon wrasses are one of the more semi-aggressive members in the genus, though this behavior will likely be exhibited more as an adult. Exercise caution mixing this species with other wrasses. 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: Small: 1-1/2″ to 2-1/4″ Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3 1/2″ Large 3-1/2″ to 5″

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