What size tank does a Melanurus Wrasse need?

A Melanurus Wrasse needs a minimum tank size of 40 gallons. A 55-gallon tank or larger is recommended for optimal health.

What fish can live with Melanurus Wrasse?

Compatible tank mates for Melanurus Wrasse include: Blue Green Chromis, Pink Skunk Clownfish, Skunk Clownfish, Orange Skunk Clownfish, Talbot's Damselfish. Always ensure adequate tank size and proper water parameters.

Melanurus Wrasse

Q: Is Melanurus Wrasse easy to care for?

Melanurus Wrasse has a easy care level. Hardy and easy to keep. Requires a sand bed of at least 2 inches as it buries itself to sleep at night. Secure the lid — prone to jumping.

Halichoeres melanurus

Also known as: Tail Spot Wrasse, Hoeven's Wrasse, Orange-Tipped Rainbowfish

🧂 Saltwater ✌️ Peaceful 🟢 Easy 🥩 Carnivore Reef Safe

A beautifully patterned wrasse with a green body, blue and orange horizontal lines, and a distinctive dark spot on the tail. Excellent pest controller that hunts flatworms, pyramidellid snails, and bristle worms.

Tank Size

40 gal

minimum (55+ preferred)

Temperature

74–82°F

23–28°C

pH Range

8.1–8.4

water acidity

Max Size

12.7 cm

Lifespan

5–8 years

typical in captivity

Swim Level

Middle

preferred zone

Care Notes

Hardy and easy to keep. Requires a sand bed of at least 2 inches as it buries itself to sleep at night. Secure the lid — prone to jumping.

Feeding

Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and marine pellets. Also hunts tank pests. Feed 2–3 times daily.

Compatible Tank Mates

Blue Green Chromis 3" Pink Skunk Clownfish 3.5" Skunk Clownfish 4" Orange Skunk Clownfish 4.5" Talbot's Damselfish 2.5" Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse 3" Cleaner Wrasse 4" Yellow Coris Wrasse 5" Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse 3" Firefish Goby 3" Yellow Watchman Goby 4" Diamond Goby 6"

Use Caution With

Ocellaris Clownfish 3" True Percula Clownfish 3" Yellowtail Damselfish 2.5" Blue Tang 12" Yellow Tang 8" Kole Tang 7" Clarkii Clownfish 5" Tomato Clownfish 5" Scopas Tang 8" Naso Tang 18" Convict Tang 8" Azure Damselfish 2.5"

Incompatible With

Maroon Clownfish 6" Blue Devil Damselfish 3" Powder Blue Tang 9" Achilles Tang 10" Purple Tang 10" Three Stripe Damselfish 3" Domino Damselfish 5" Four Stripe Damselfish 3" Jewel Damselfish 6" Clown Tang 15" Catalina Goby 2.5" Volitan Lionfish 15"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Melanurus Wrasse is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.