Halichoeres
This genus of fish is one that seems to keep on growing in size as new fish are discovered and described. There are now as many as 82 species noted in this genus. I constantly recommend people become aware of the scientific names of their fish as opposed to the Latin names, this is one genus whose name derives from Greek and not Latin. alis, salt and chioros, pig, hence salt pig or Halichoeres. Not sure why, maybe the pointed snouts. Fish, including wrasse have up until recently been classified according to morphology but now that more molecular studies are being done this classification may change. It has been suggested by a number of sources that the Halichoeres genus may actually be split into different genera (Joe Rowlett (2016). So perhaps my lovely Halichoeres timorensis may actually be Hemiulis timorensis.
These wrasse can vary in size with some, H podostigma reaching 25cms. Most however are in the 12cms to 16cms range with one or two smaller species around 10cms. All have a cylindrical, cigar shaped body that tends to deepen with age. As with many wrasse there can be a big difference in the colouration of young or female fish with adult males. There are many colour variations but many have quite striking patterns and colouration around the head.
They are a very active species moving around the live rock looking for small invertebrates and worms or just about anything else which could be edible. This could make some of the larger species a danger to small shrimps or crabs within a reef setup. I have found the ones I have kept will eat virtually anything I put into the tank so are pretty easy to feed. Many fish of this genus have a reputation for eating a number of aquarium pests and parasites including flatworms, pyramid snails and montipora eating nudibranchs. My only experience is having had nudibranchs eating my zoas but after introducing wrasse I have had none. Many fish in this genus are described as reef safe with caution or not reef safe as they may eat crabs, shrimps and worms. I can only speak from my experience and this has not been a problem to date. My H. timorensis has started playing with the hermit crabs and small snails but am not sure if she is actually eating them!
As with some other genera Halichoeres wrasse sleep in the sand bed at night and so a reasonably deep sand bed is essential. The same is true of a fully covered aquarium.
My experience of keeping these fish leads me to think they may be the perfect genus for a reef aquarium. Give them the correct conditions and they are hardy, easy to feed, peaceful and massively interesting!
Scientific name derives from: Greek, als, alis = salt + Greek, choiros = pig
Aquarium Fish: Halichoeres Wrasses - Are they the best reef fish? Richard Aspinall (2014)
Species in Halichoeres Fish identification Fishbase (2013)
Pretty in Pink - Halichoeres Lemon teayk (2015)
These wrasse can vary in size with some, H podostigma reaching 25cms. Most however are in the 12cms to 16cms range with one or two smaller species around 10cms. All have a cylindrical, cigar shaped body that tends to deepen with age. As with many wrasse there can be a big difference in the colouration of young or female fish with adult males. There are many colour variations but many have quite striking patterns and colouration around the head.
They are a very active species moving around the live rock looking for small invertebrates and worms or just about anything else which could be edible. This could make some of the larger species a danger to small shrimps or crabs within a reef setup. I have found the ones I have kept will eat virtually anything I put into the tank so are pretty easy to feed. Many fish of this genus have a reputation for eating a number of aquarium pests and parasites including flatworms, pyramid snails and montipora eating nudibranchs. My only experience is having had nudibranchs eating my zoas but after introducing wrasse I have had none. Many fish in this genus are described as reef safe with caution or not reef safe as they may eat crabs, shrimps and worms. I can only speak from my experience and this has not been a problem to date. My H. timorensis has started playing with the hermit crabs and small snails but am not sure if she is actually eating them!
As with some other genera Halichoeres wrasse sleep in the sand bed at night and so a reasonably deep sand bed is essential. The same is true of a fully covered aquarium.
My experience of keeping these fish leads me to think they may be the perfect genus for a reef aquarium. Give them the correct conditions and they are hardy, easy to feed, peaceful and massively interesting!
Scientific name derives from: Greek, als, alis = salt + Greek, choiros = pig
Aquarium Fish: Halichoeres Wrasses - Are they the best reef fish? Richard Aspinall (2014)
Species in Halichoeres Fish identification Fishbase (2013)
Pretty in Pink - Halichoeres Lemon teayk (2015)
Halichoeres timorensis, Timor wrasse. I spotted this wrasse in my LFS and went home to do some research. Not much available with some sources saying it was very rare and not collected for the trade. What I did find told me it grew to about 12 cms. Decided it was probably like many others of this genus so decided to go back to the LFS and take a chance. What a beautiful fish! She has really grown and is very active hunting for small inverts and worms amongst the live rock and corals. I am having a bout of finding the pecking order in my tank since making some changes and she is coming out on top. I am a little concerned about how aggressive this lovely fish can be on occasions. Not causing any problems at the moment but will need to monitor. My wrasse community has settled and I reckon she is more boisterous than aggressive.
Having said that, if I was planning a wrasse community similar to mine I would be tempted to introduce this fish after my more peaceful and sedate Macropharygodon wrasse.
Halichoeres timorensis Fishbase
Timor Wrasse Maidenhead Aquatics
Having said that, if I was planning a wrasse community similar to mine I would be tempted to introduce this fish after my more peaceful and sedate Macropharygodon wrasse.
Halichoeres timorensis Fishbase
Timor Wrasse Maidenhead Aquatics
Halichoeres chrysus, Yellow wrasse. This is a problematic wrasse in name only! It seems to have a few common names one of which is totally wrong and misleading. Often seen as the canary wrasse, golden wrasse, golden rainbowfish and banana wrasse it is also called the yellow Coris wrasse. This is wrong as it is not a Coris wrasse at all. Most wrasse of the genus Coris are too big and unsuitable for the average reef aquarium. This fish on the other hand is eminently suitable for a reef aquarium. In my experience they are peaceful fish, reaching about 10cms in length and causing no problems to invertebrates within the reef. They are inquisitive fish poking around the rocks and corals looking for a tasty morsel. The brilliant yellow colour catches the eye as the fish moves in and out of overhangs and crevices. A brilliant addition to the wrasse collection.
Halichoeres chrysus Live Aquaria
Halichoeres chrysus FishBase
Highly Underrated Fish
Halichoeres chrysus Live Aquaria
Halichoeres chrysus FishBase
Highly Underrated Fish
Halichoeres melanurus, Hoeven's Wrasse. Another wrasse with a whole plethora of common names, Dusky-tail rainbowfish, melanurus wrasse, neon wrasse, orange-tipped rainbowfish, pinstripe wrasse, tailspot wrasse, yellow-lined wrasse. Take your pick! Better still know the scientific name. This is a new fish for me but one I have long admired. I have introduced a small juvenile in the hope of watching the colour morph as she matures. The colours of the adult fish are very different and very striking. The fish I understand will grow to about 15cms and has very similar requirements to the other wrasse of this genus. My concern is not being able to look after this species but how she will mix with my existing wrasse. Fortunately after an initial bout of aggression from my Timor wrasse the little melenurus has settled down well is looking very fit and healthy. No problems with feeding which is good. A few months down the line and she is a real beauty. Although I think she is slowly becoming a he!!
Click here to watch my care video
Fish Profile Reefkeeping Magazine 2015
Halichoeres melanurus Fishbase
Why is the melanurus wrasse on of our favourite reef tank fish Justin Hester 2015
Hoeven's Wrasse Live Aquaria
7 Reasons to keep the melanurus wrasse
Updated 12.03.20
Click here to watch my care video
Fish Profile Reefkeeping Magazine 2015
Halichoeres melanurus Fishbase
Why is the melanurus wrasse on of our favourite reef tank fish Justin Hester 2015
Hoeven's Wrasse Live Aquaria
7 Reasons to keep the melanurus wrasse
Updated 12.03.20