The Melanarus Wrasse, Halichoeres Malanurus, commonly
referred as the Hoeven's Wrasse or Tail-Spot Wrasse, is a colorful
wrasse that is sure to catch your eye and become the centerpiece of your
tank. It has a blue-green body with a couple of yellow to pink stripes
running horizontally across the body.
The
Melanarus Wrasse is a peaceful Wrasse, that should be kept with other
peaceful tank mates. They will best thrive in a well-established tank,
with live rocks
cleverly arranged to provide hiding places, as the Melanarus Wrasse
can become shy and may need to take refuge as needed, along with a deep
sandy substrate of about 3". This Wrasse can grow to be about 5", and
requires a tank no less than 50 gallons. They are also known for
jumping, so it is suggested to have a tightly fitting lid, or top on
your tank to prevent escape.
The Melanarus
Wrasse will help as part of the clean up crew, eating Fireworms, Pyramidellid Snails, off of corals and clams, and may also remove
parasites off other tank mates. Though peaceful, they may also eat Feather Dusters, Tubeworms and Flatworms as well as very small Shrimp. This Wrasse should be fed a varied diet
of meaty foods, including vitamin enriched
Mysis and Brine Shrimp, along with frozen and chopped meaty
preparations, higher quality Flake foods and Pellet foods. Soaking the
meaty foods in garlic will also entice the
fish to eat, as well as boost immunity. They will also feed on Copepods
present in the tank.