{"product_id":"melanurus_wrasse_halichoeres_melanurus","title":"Melanurus Wrasse - Halichoeres melanurus","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"231\" data-end=\"271\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"231\" data-end=\"271\"\u003eThe Melanurus Wrasse, Halichoeres melanurus, is a colourful and active marine wrasse with green, orange, blue and pink striping, a yellow tail and attractive markings that vary with age and sex. Also known as the Tailspot Wrasse, Hoeven’s Wrasse or Yellow-tailed Wrasse, this Indo-Pacific species is popular in reef aquariums for its constant movement and appetite for small benthic pests. It is generally coral safe, but should be classed as reef safe with caution because it may eat small worms, tiny crustaceans and other small invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"839\" data-end=\"950\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"851\" data-end=\"854\"\u003eMelanurus Wrasse, Tailspot Wrasse, Hoeven’s Wrasse, Yellow-tailed Wrasse, Orange-striped Wrasse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"1000\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"979\"\u003eHalichoeres melanurus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1002\" data-end=\"1037\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1015\" data-end=\"1018\"\u003eUp to around 14 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1039\" data-end=\"1059\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr data-start=\"1050\" data-end=\"1053\"\u003eMarine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1061\" data-end=\"1309\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1086\" data-end=\"1089\"\u003eIndo-Pacific, especially shallow coral reefs, rocky shores and sheltered reef habitats. It is found singly or in small groups, often over reef areas where sand, rubble and rockwork provide both foraging space and refuge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1311\" data-end=\"1410\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1328\" data-end=\"1331\"\u003eTemperature: 24–27°C\u003cbr data-start=\"1351\" data-end=\"1354\"\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr data-start=\"1371\" data-end=\"1374\"\u003eHardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1412\" data-end=\"1692\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1424\" data-end=\"1427\"\u003eGenerally peaceful to semi-assertive. It is usually suitable for active reef communities, but may become territorial towards similar wrasses or very timid fish once established. Avoid keeping with very delicate species that may be stressed by its constant activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1694\" data-end=\"2170\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1699\" data-end=\"1702\"\u003eCarnivorous micro-predator. In the wild, it feeds on small invertebrates including polychaete worms, copepods, isopods and other tiny prey. In the aquarium, offer frozen mysis, enriched brineshrimp, copepods, cyclops, chopped clam, finely chopped prawn, krill, quality marine pellets and other small meaty foods. It may help reduce nuisance flatworms, small bristle worms, pyramid snails or other tiny pests, but should not be bought as a guaranteed pest-control fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2404\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2190\" data-end=\"2193\"\u003eA minimum of 250 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred for mixed wrasse communities or busy reef systems. Provide open swimming space, mature live rock and a soft sand bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2406\" data-end=\"2825\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr data-start=\"2431\" data-end=\"2434\"\u003eAn energetic daytime forager that spends much of its time cruising over rockwork, rubble and sand while picking at tiny prey. Like many Halichoeres wrasses, it dives into soft sand to sleep, hide or recover from stress, and newly introduced specimens may remain buried for several days while settling. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is essential, as active wrasses can jump when startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2827\" data-end=\"3252\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2837\" data-end=\"2840\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe with Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2862\" data-end=\"2865\"\u003eGenerally safe with corals and most sessile invertebrates, as it does not normally nip coral tissue. The caution is due to its natural hunting behaviour: it may eat small worms, feather dusters, pods, flatworms, tiny snails, pyramid snails, very small shrimps or other small mobile invertebrates. Larger established clean-up crew animals are often ignored, but this cannot be guaranteed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3254\" data-end=\"3742\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3289\" data-end=\"3292\"\u003eA soft, clean sand bed is essential for sleeping and stress reduction. Avoid sharp coral gravel, bare-bottom systems and newly set-up aquariums with little natural food. Provide mature live rock, regular varied feeding, strong oxygenation and a secure lid. It may hide in the sand for several days after introduction, which can be normal. Avoid mixing with very similar Halichoeres wrasses unless the aquarium is large with multiple territory breaks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3744\" data-end=\"3796\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3757\" data-end=\"3760\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate fishkeepers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3798\" data-end=\"3829\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3811\" data-end=\"3814\"\u003eCommon in trade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3831\" data-end=\"4091\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Male \/ Small","offer_id":46056058093741,"sku":"AG-103393","price":80.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Male \/ Medium","offer_id":46056058126509,"sku":"AG-103394","price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Male \/ Large","offer_id":46056053932205,"sku":"AG-101487","price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ Small","offer_id":46056058159277,"sku":"AG-103395","price":75.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ Medium","offer_id":46056058192045,"sku":"AG-103396","price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ Large","offer_id":46056058224813,"sku":"AG-103397","price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/Melanurus_Wrasse_-_Halichoeres_melanurus_Male.jpg?v=1779879089","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/melanurus_wrasse_halichoeres_melanurus","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}