Wrasse – Dusky

Dusky Wrasse Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  80 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 15cm (6″)

Diet: Carnivore (Eats pods)

Temperament: Peaceful

Lifespan: Up to 10 years

Scientific Name: Halichoeres Marginatus

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes with caution (May go after small ornamental shrimp and tubeworms/ feather dusters)

Approx. Purchase Size:  2-3 inches

The dusky wrasse, scientific name Halichoeres Marginatus is a peaceful fish. Their minimum tank size is 80 gallons. Dusky wrasses can grow up to 6” and can live up to 10 years. Dusky wrasses are carnivores and should be fed frozen meaty foods such as brine or mysis shrimp. Dusky wrasses are pod eaters and will hunt continuously for small pods found in the aquarium. Dusky wrasses can be trained to eat frozen foods but will be healthier and happier in a tank where they can hunt live food as well. They should be kept singly, in mated pairs or small herums with one male and multiple females. Keeping multiple of the same species requires adequate space and rockwork. All halichoeres wrasses start as females, if there is multiple kept together and no male is present, the dominant female will turn often into a male. Female dusky wrasses are brown and males have a green body color. Dusky wrasses can be kept with other halichoeres/wrasses. Dusky wrasses are reef safe with caution, they will not bother coral. Halichoeres will not bother invertebrates either except for shrimp and tubeworms/ feather dusters, they may prey upon these invertebrates as they mature. Halichoeres wrasses dive into the sand to sleep at night and will not do well in a tank without sand, the sand bed should be thick enough to completely cover them, atleast 2-3”. During the day they will be swimming throughout the tank. Wrasses are known for jumping and require a tight fighting lid.