Easy to Trace Wrasse Fish Cartoon Wrasse Fish

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The wrasse family, Labridae, contains some of the most colorful and most popular species of fish in the marine hobby. Of the 600 known wrasse species in the wild, many wrasse types stay small, making them a perfect addition to most aquarium setups; one exception to this is the humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) which can grow to be 90 inches long!

Today's post is all about wrasses, let's learn more about these amazing saltwater fish!

Introduction To Wrasses

Wrasses can be found throughout the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, though most available species come from the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific. For the most part, wrasse fish inhabit coral reef ecosystems, though the exact type of reef will depend on latitude.

Some of these wrasses are considered completely reef safe, while others might be considered partially reef-safe or not reef-safe at all. For the purposes of this article, we will only be looking at those wrasse species that are completely and partially reef-safe.

Are All Wrasse Born Female?

Most wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites. This means that the majority of these fish are born as females and later have the ability to turn into males in response to environmental conditions or internal changes.

This ability helps these fish when stresses, like limited mates or resources, impact the ability to reproduce. Because conditions are generally stable in the aquarium, there is usually little need for fish to change sexes.

Wrasse Requirements And Wrasse Temperament

Since there are so many species of wrasse available in the marine aquarium hobby, setting a generalization for care is not possible. Species, like the pygmy wrasse (Wetmorella nigropinnata), do well in nano tanks under 20 gallons while other larger and more active wrasse need much larger setups.

There is one general care requirement for these fish though, and that is that they need a decently deep sandbed. This is because most wrasses sleep in the sandbed; they will also use the sandbed to hide when stressed, which causes a lot of mysterious disappearances for hobbyists.

In addition to sleeping in the sand bed, some wrasses will excrete a mucus cocoon to sleep in. If they are visible in the tank at night, you may notice them perched in between or underneath the rocks in a trance-like state. As soon as the lights turn on, you may see some remnants of the cocoon sloughing off.

Are Wrasses Aggressive?

In general, wrasses are community fish. Some species are shyer than others, but they aren't usually known for becoming the bully of the tank. Though some species from the Pseudocheilinus genus, like six-line wrasses, have been known to become especially problematic.

Of course, this is entirely dependent on the individual personality of the wrasse.

Are Wrasses Hard To Keep?

Wrasses are active fish that will constantly search for food in and out of the rocks. Some wrasse species have specific dietary needs, like live copepods and various frozen foods. This can make feeding some of the more advanced wrasses more challenging.

Wrasses can also be difficult to safely acclimate to a new tank, but they are generally hardy once established. These marine fish are notorious for carrying external and internal parasites, like flukes. Because of this, it is strongly recommended to quarantine them for several weeks before adding them to the main display.

It is also required to have a tight lid on the aquarium as these fish are master escape artists.

Types Of Wrasses

More likely than not, you will want to add at least one wrasse to your aquarium. The problem is that some wrasse types need certain setups or diets and success will depend on the skill level of the keeper.

Here are the most common genera of wrasse to find in the aquarium hobby:

Anampses
Cirrhilabrus
Halichoeres
Labroides
Macropharyngodon
Paracheilnus
Pseudocheilinus
Pseudojuloides
Wetmorella

Not all of these wrasses are entirely reef-safe, though. Some wrasses might leave corals alone but nibble at shrimp and other reef crustaceans instead.

The Best 15 Wrasses For Saltwater Tanks

To help differentiate between the best 15 wrasses for saltwater tanks, we have created categories for fully reef-safe wrasses and partially reef-safe wrasses.

Fully reef-safe wrasses can be kept with corals and all invertebrates. Partially reef-safe wrasses can be kept with corals but should be watched when kept with other invertebrates.

Fully Reef Safe Wrasses

For the most part, the wrasse species listed in this group will not pick at corals or invertebrates. However, there is always the chance that your specific fish picks at them in your own aquarium.

**1. Blue Striped Tamarin (Anampses femininus)**

Species Type: Anampses
Scientific Name:Anampses femininus
Size: 10 inches
Origin: Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 120 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Not available

One of the most expensive and challenging wrasse species, the blue striped tamarin is unmatched. These large fish turn from yellow to royal blue as you move from their head to their tail. All along the body, they have even more electric blue horizontal stripes, earning them their name.

Blue striped tamarins are collected from very exact locations throughout the Melanesia region of the Pacific Ocean. There, they feed on coral reefs in small groups. In the aquarium, they are usually entirely reef safe.

**2. Flame Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus jordani)**

Species Type: Cirrhilabrus
Scientific Name:Cirrhilabrus jordani
Size: 4 inches
Origin: Eastern Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 90 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Rare

The flame wrasse, also known as Jordan's fairy wrasse, is a stunning red and yellow colored fish with extended feathery fins. These fish come from the tropical waters surrounding the Hawaiin islands, feeding on zooplankton and other invertebrates in the water column (Video Source).

Though their dietary needs are more specific than other wrasses, they are compatible with both corals and invertebrates.

**3. Scott's Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus scottorum)**

Species Type: Cirrhilabrus
Scientific Name:Cirrhilabrus scottorum
Size: 6 inches
Origin: Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 90 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Not available

Scott's fairy wrasse is a whirlwind of vibrant colors. Though the variation of color changes based on where they originated from (most commonly Australia, Tonga, and Fiji), they have a silky green body that transitions into blue and red. The caudal fin is typically red and the dorsal fin may with yellow with a darker margin.

In the wild, these wrasses are mostly found on the outskirts of the reef which means that your fish might enjoy having some extra swimming space. Luckily, they are completely coral and invertebrate safe.

4. Red-Headed Solon Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus solorensis)

Species Type: Cirrhilabrus
Scientific Name:Cirrhilabrus solorensis
Size: 5 inches
Origin: Eastern Indian Ocean
Tank Size: 90 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Not available

The red-headed solon fairy wrasse is aptly named after its orangey-red head at the tip of its light blue with cream underbelly body. This Indonesian species is sometimes compared to the blueside wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura) due to similarities in appearance, though they are two separate species (Video Source).

These wrasses are found in slightly deeper waters and will not pick at corals or invertebrates.

**5. Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella nigropinnata)**

Species Type: Wetmorella
Scientific Name: Wetmorella nigropinnata
Size: 3 inches
Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 15 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Not available

On paper, the yellow banded possum wrasse is a perfect species for nano tanks: they are smaller fish and not as active as other larger wrasses. However, they are extremely sensitive to changes in parameters and have a pretty exact diet. These fish feed heavily on live copepods, though most individuals can thrive with a selection of frozen foods.

This wrasse species is named after the bands at the front of their head and at the base of their tail against their red body. Yellow banded possums are described as cryptic and finicky as they are often hiding in the rocks or cruising for food.

These wrasses are completely reef-safe and will not eat invertebrates due to their small mouth.

**6. McCosker's Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus mccoskeri)**

Species Type: Paracheilinus
Scientific Name: Paracheilinus mccoskeri
Size: 3 inches
Origin: Indo-West Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 55 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Uncommon

McCosker's flasher wrasse is a beautiful fish with an orange and red body and electric blue highlights. These fish are very hardy and active but will stay towards the bottom portions of the aquarium. McCosker's wrasses are also very likely to take well to other wrasses, especially multiple females, making this species one of the more popular to breed.

For the most part, these fish will leave both corals and small invertebrates alone. There is always the chance that they'll eat any worms or snails that they find, though!

**7. Carpenter's Wrasse (Paracheilinus carpenteri)**

Species Type: Paracheilinus
Scientific Name: Paracheilinus carpenteri
Size: 3 inches
Origin: Western Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 55 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Not available

Carpenter's wrasses are an extremely popular type of wrasse, largely due to their bright red and yellow colors. These fish do even better when kept in group settings, which can add tons of color and movement to the aquarium. It is strongly recommended to add females first and then a single male.

These wrasses are pretty good citizens of the tank and won't pick at corals or invertebrates. As always, there is a chance that your individual Carpenter's wrasse will pick, though.

**8. Filamented Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus filamentosus)**

Species Type: Paracheilinus
Scientific Name: Paracheilinus filamentosus
Size: 4 inches
Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 55 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Not available

These fish are similar in color to Carpenter's wrasses but are more uniform red. The filamented flasher wrasse, also known as the whip-fin fairy wrasse, also does well with a group of females but the order of addition is less important. Filamented flasher wrasses rarely pick at corals and invertebrates, so they can be kept in most setups!

Interestingly, these fish have been known to hybridize with other species in the wild so it is generally recommended to not keep closely related species within the same tank.

Partially Reef-Safe Wrasses

Wrasse species within this group should be expected to pick at smaller invertebrates and possibly even corals. There is the chance that they will behave in your tank, but caution is needed.

**9. Yellow Coris Wrasse (Halichoeres chrysus)**

Yellow Coris Wrasse - A Great Addition for Pest Control

Species Type: Halichoeres
Scientific Name:Halichoeres chrysus
Size: 5 inches
Origin: Eastern Indian Ocean
Tank Size: 50 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Rare

The yellow coris wrasse, also known as the golden rainbowfish or canary wrasse, is a very popular fish due to its vibrant, uniform yellow coloration. This yellow wrasse is relatively hardy and prefers to be in communities with other wrasse.

Yellow coris wrasses will happily eat various worms, coral pests, and snails they find around coral reefs. Though they will keep corals untouched, they cannot differentiate between good and bad smaller invertebrates. This makes them partially reef-safe.

**10. Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus)**

Species Type: Halichoeres
Scientific Name:Halichoeres melanurus
Size: 5 inches
Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 50 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Uncommon

The melanurus wrasse goes by a few names including Hoeven's wrasse and tail-spot wrasse. These fish have all colors of the rainbow with horizontal blue stripes along their yellow-blue body.

This wrasse species is found around shallow reefs near Australia, Fiji, and Indonesia. There, they feed on small invertebrates among corals; in the aquarium, they generally leave corals alone but should not be trusted with smaller worms and snails.

**11. Christmas Wrasse (Halichoeres claudia)**

Species Type: Halichoeres
Scientific Name: Halichoeres claudia
Size: 5 inches
Origin: Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 50 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Not available

These festive fish from Fiji are named after their red and green color variations! Christmas wrasses, also called Claudia's wrasse, are an easy and colorful wrasse species to add to the reef aquarium. They are also one of the more inexpensive species available.

However, Christmas wrasses are likely to eat smaller invertebrates like the rest of the Halichoeres species on this list.

**12. Red-Line Wrasse (Halichoeres biocellatus)**

Species Type: Halichoeres
Scientific Name: Halichoeres biocellatus
Size: 4 inches
Origin: Western Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 50 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Not available

The red-line wrasse is similar to the Christmas wrasse in color and size. However, these fish have a much darker base green color and burnt orange patterns instead of red; they are also slightly smaller and originate from more western waters around the Philippines and Japan.

These fish are typically found around the perimeters on the reef, in more open water. This means that they will prefer having some extra swimming area.

Though the red-line wrasse won't eat corals, they will definitely pick at invertebrates they find in between the rocks.

**13. Six-Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia)**

Species Type:Pseudocheilinus
Scientific Name: Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
Size: 3 inches
Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 55 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Rare

The six-line wrasse is probably one of the most well-known species of wrasse in the aquarium hobby due to its size, activity levels, and attractive appearance.

For a long time, however, these small fish were categorized as a nano species. Though they might look like they would fit perfectly into a small display, their demanding activity levels leave them needing a large tank with open swimming space and intricate rockwork.

Six-line wrasses are a bluish-purple color with six horizontal orange stripes that lead into their green tail fin. Though small, these fish are very active and can show aggression towards other wrasses. Because they are so small, there is less of a chance for them to eat any larger invertebrates in your tank, though they do favor copepods and bristleworms.

**14. Eight-Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus octotaenia)**

Species Type: Pseudocheilinus
Scientific Name: Pseudocheilinus octotaenia
Size: 5 inches
Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 55 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Rare

The eight-line wrasse is different from the six-line wrasse in terms of size and appearance. However, their temperaments can be just as aggressive as their smaller counterparts.

The eight-line wrasse is slightly less popular due to its paler yellow and pink colorations and larger size. This difference of 2 inches also allows the eight-line wrasse to eat more invertebrates than the six-line, leaving urchins, snails, and bigger worms at risk.

**15. Small Tail Pencil Wrasse (Pseudojuloides cerasinus)**

Species Type: Pseudocheilinus
Scientific Name: Pseudojuloides cerasinus
Size: 5 inches
Origin: Eastern Pacific Ocean
Tank Size: 75 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Not available

Small tail pencil wrasses are pretty rare to come by in the aquarium hobby (picture source). They're a recent addition and not all of their behaviors and personalities are fully understood. Based on how other species within this genus interact with the reef, it is safe to assume that they are only partially reef-safe.

This wrasse species is named after its narrow body which ends in a proportionally small caudal fin. Otherwise, they have pretty basic red colors with a signature yellow eye. They are only found in the tropical waters around Hawaii but form a complex with other species in the Pseudocheilinus genus.

Other Wrasses (To Avoid)

There are a few wrasses for sale that you will see at the local fish store that are very popular, but should be avoided for reefs. Here are a few below:

1. Bird Wrasse

Species Type:Gomphosus
Scientific Name: Gomphosus varius
Size: 11 inches
Origin: Fiji
Tank Size: 125 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Not available

The bird wrasse is a beautiful and active wrasse fish that unfortunately gets large. It is not reef safe as it will happy consume any inverts it can grab and will also eat any fish that it can fit in its mouth. These are best for fish only for fish only with live rock systems. The bird wrasse is a hardy fish, just not appropriate for a reef tank. They are one of the few wrasses you can successfully pair.

2. Dragon Wrasse

Species Type:Novaculichthys
Scientific Name:Novaculichthys taeniourus
Size: 12 inches
Origin: Fiji
Tank Size: 180 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Not available

A Dragon wrasse is an amazing fish to find at a local fish store. You usually see them in their juvenile form, which has a unique mohawk like fin on its head. They are cute, very active, and full of personality. Unfortunately they grow to foot long and will tear apart any invert in your aquarium. They are also disruptive to corals as they will move them and arrange rocks in the tank.

They also are one of the less hardy Wrasses you can purchase. Overall, a wrasse you should avoid unless you want to place them in a fish only or fish only with live rock system.

3. Leopard Wrasse

Species Type:Macropharyngodon
Scientific Name:Macropharyngodon meleagris
Size: 6 inches
Origin: Fiji
Tank Size: 90 gallons
Available As Tank Bred: Not available

The Leopard Wrasse is a beautiful fish that actually is reef safe, however, they generally do poorly in captivity. They are notoriously difficult to successfully establish in an aquarium. Many tend to die because they do not accumulate well to fish food. They also tend to get shipped with damaged mouths, which leads to their deaths.

Leave these Wrasses to the experts or in the ocean.

Final Thoughts

There are many, many more wrasse species that could be right for your aquarium but these are just some of the most popular!

As behavior, tank requirements, and diet can change drastically from wrasse to wrasse, always make sure to research the specific species you plan on getting before bringing it home. Always quarantine your wrasses before adding them to your display since they are likely carrying internal or external parasites!

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Source: https://aquariumstoredepot.com/blogs/news/wrasse-types