Wrasse – Marble

Marble Wrasse Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size:  80 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 27.5cm (11″)

Diet: Carnivore (Eats pods)

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Lifespan: Up to 10 years

Scientific Name: Halichoeres Hortulanus

Coral Safe: Yes

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

Approx. Purchase Size:  2-3 inches

The marble wrasse, scientific name Halichoeres Hortulanus is a semi-aggressive fish. Their minimum tank size is 80 gallons. Marble wrasses can grow up to 11” and can live up to 10 years. Marble wrasses are carnivores and should be fed frozen meaty foods such as brine or mysis shrimp. Marble wrasses are pod eaters and will hunt continuously for small pods found in the aquarium. Marble 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. 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. Marble wrasses can be kept with other halichoeres/wrasses. Marble 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.