Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Scarlet Pin Stripe Wrasse, also known as the Secretive Wrasse, Disappearing Wrasse or Striated Wrasse, has a wide distribution across reefs of the Indo-West Pacific including the Red Sea to the Hawaiian Islands. Here, they are seen alone and typically keep to themselves as they hunt for small crustaceans. The body shape, coloration and pattern of a Scarlet pin stripe wrasse is unmistakable with the other species in the genus. The Scarlet pin stripe wrasse has an overall reddish-orange body color and a pale stripe at the corner of its mouth that runs toward the front of the gill plate. Somewhat cryptic in nature, it is not unusual for your newly introduced Scarlet pin stripe wrasse to lurk among the live rock until it becomes more comfortable with its surroundings. Scarlet pin stripe wrasses have been observed to prey on nuisance red Planaria flatworms and pyramidellid snails that sometimes hitch hike on corals or live rock. However, do not rely on this wrasse to solve such problems; wrasses in the Halichoeres genus are a better alternative. An adult Scarlet pin stripe wrasse can reach a size of approximately 3″. While this small adult size makes this species very manageable, do not underestimate its potential to have a big attitude if kept in an incorrect environment (see ‘Care Requirements’ below).

Diet Requirements: Scarlet pin stripe wrasses are carnivores, actively hunting tiny crustaceans (e.g., copepods, amphiopods) throughout the day. A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as spirulina brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, squid, clams and other mixed frozen foods will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as wrasses have high metabolisms. Scarlet pin stripe wrasses will also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety. This wrasse has also been observed to eat small bristleworms.

Care Requirements: An established, minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Scarlet pin stripe wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Scarlet pin stripe wrasses require a variety of rock work and crevices to hide in, swim through and around. If the aquarium is void of adequate hiding places, a Scarlet pin stripe wrasse can act aggressively toward tank mates in an act to defend such spots. Generally peaceful, a Scarlet pin stripe wrasse can be a tricky addition in certain circumstances. First, a Scarlet pin stripe wrasse may bully more peaceful and timid wrasse species. If you plan to house several different wrasses, we advise to add a Scarlet pin stripe wrasse as the last one to avoid this. Second, an established Scarlet pin stripe wrasse may bully other docile or easily-intimidated species added after it, especially if the environment does not meet the criteria for a Scarlet pin stripe wrasse or if the wrasse is inadequately fed. Our general recommendation for a Scarlet pin stripe wrasse is that it makes a great addition to most fish only with live rock and reef aquariums as a near-last or last addition fish to avoid potential conflicts. Only one Scarlet pin stripe wrasse should be kept per aquarium, and we do not recommend trying to mix it with other members in the genus. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1″ to 2-1/2″

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