Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Halichoeres

Halichoeres nebulosus

(Valenciennes, 1839)

Nebulous Wrasse

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Widespread and also in subtropical Indian Ocean.

Size: 5 inches (12 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits reef flats and rocky shore lines and usually found at depths between 3 – 130 feet (1 – 40 m) where it feeds mainly on small benthic invertebrates.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade with males having an angled pink band below the eye and females having a bright pink patch on the belly.

Can be maintained in reef or fish-only aquariums having a fine sand bed, (0.5 - 2.0 mm) and at least 4 inches deep, along with several rocky crevices to hunt and also open swimming areas. It will also quickly burrow into the sand bed if frightened or for sleeping at night.

Requires a meaty diet, including fortified brine shrimp, mysis, and other meaty type marine-based frozen or fresh foods, and should be fed twice daily.

Taxonomy:

    Order: Perciformes

    Suborder: Labroidei

    Family: Labridae

    Genus: Halichoeres

FYI: Upon first entering the aquarium may stay buried for days. Simply await its decision when to emerge. Once established, it will go to sleep under the sand and arise the next morning at almost the exact same time every day!

The aquarium should have small pieces of rocks for the wrasse to 'play' with in its daily search for prey.

One male per aquarium.

May annoy smaller fishes if those are introduced after it.

Experience Level: Beginner

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: With caution

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 60 gallons

Temperature Range: 74 - 82°F (23 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5

 Halichoeres nebulosus (Nebulous Wrasse)
Photo © John Randall
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Polyp Lab