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.