{"product_id":"zigzag-wrasse-halichoeres-scapularis","title":"Zigzag Wrasse - Halichoeres scapularis","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZigzag Wrasse (Halichoeres scapularis)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Zigzag Wrasse, Halichoeres scapularis, is an active Indo-West Pacific reef fish recognised by the distinctive broken or zigzagging stripe that runs along its slender body. Also known as the Zigzag Rainbowfish, this attractive wrasse changes considerably with age and sex, with mature males developing stronger green, blue and reddish colouration than juveniles and females. It naturally inhabits shallow coral and rocky reefs with sand, rubble and algae-covered areas, where it searches continuously for crustaceans, worms and molluscs. Its energetic behaviour and useful invertebrate-hunting habits make it an appealing marine fish, although its adult size and predatory interest in ornamental invertebrates require careful planning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZigzag Wrasse, Zig-zag Wrasse, Zigzag Rainbowfish, Shoulder-spot Wrasse.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHalichoeres scapularis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCapable of reaching approximately 20 cm when fully grown, although many aquarium specimens remain closer to 15–18 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndo-West Pacific, ranging from the Red Sea and East African coast eastwards to Papua New Guinea, north to southern Japan and south to Australia and New Caledonia. Zigzag Wrasses inhabit shallow coral and rocky reefs, lagoons, reef flats and protected coastal areas with patches of sand, rubble and algae-covered rock. They remain close to the substrate while searching for small invertebrate prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness or Salinity: Marine salinity 1.023–1.026 specific gravity; maintain stable salinity, alkalinity, strong oxygenation and consistently good water quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerally peaceful when young but moderately assertive and increasingly territorial as it matures. Zigzag Wrasses usually coexist well with robust marine community fish, although established adults may chase smaller wrasses, similar Halichoeres species or timid bottom-dwelling fish. Avoid housing with very small, delicate or easily intimidated tank mates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarnivorous benthic hunter. In the wild, this species feeds on small crustaceans, marine worms, molluscs, echinoderms and other invertebrates collected from rockwork, rubble and the substrate. In the aquarium, offer enriched mysis shrimp, Artemia, krill, chopped prawn, clam, mussel and quality marine pellets or flakes. Feed varied portions at least twice daily to support its active metabolism.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA minimum aquarium volume of approximately 300 litres is recommended for one adult, with a long swimming area, mature live rock and a substantial section of fine sand. Larger accommodation is preferable when keeping it alongside other active or territorial wrasses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn energetic daytime wrasse that spends most of its active period swimming through the lower and middle areas of the aquarium while inspecting rockwork and substrate for prey. When frightened or ready to sleep, it dives rapidly beneath the sand and remains completely hidden.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJuveniles and females generally display softer pale, reddish or greenish colouration with a broken dark stripe along the side. Mature males develop more intense green and blue markings, stronger facial lines and a more contrasting zigzag body pattern. Like many Halichoeres wrasses, females may change sex and develop male colouration when no dominant male is present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe with Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZigzag Wrasses do not normally consume coral tissue and are generally compatible with established corals, anemones and clams. However, ornamental shrimps, small crabs, snails, hermit crabs, feather duster worms, tubeworms and other mobile invertebrates may be investigated or eaten, particularly as the fish matures. The species may also reduce populations of copepods, worms and other beneficial reef microfauna.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a bed of fine, soft sand at least 5–8 cm deep so the fish can bury itself safely when sleeping or alarmed. Avoid coarse, sharp or crushed-coral substrates, which can damage the mouth, skin and scales. Position rockwork securely on the aquarium base before adding sand, as repeated burying and foraging may disturb unstable structures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA tightly fitted aquarium cover or fine mesh lid is essential because Zigzag Wrasses are powerful jumpers. Newly introduced individuals may remain buried for several days and should not be uncovered or disturbed. Introduce similar wrasses carefully and avoid keeping several mature males unless the aquarium is exceptionally spacious.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelect tank mates according to the wrasse’s adult size and increasingly assertive behaviour. Although the species may consume nuisance worms, snails or small crustaceans, it should not be purchased solely as guaranteed pest control.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntermediate fishkeepers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOccasional in trade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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":47133684465837,"sku":"AG-104294","price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Male \/ Medium","offer_id":47133684498605,"sku":"AG-104295","price":80.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Male \/ Large","offer_id":47133684531373,"sku":"AG-104296","price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ Small","offer_id":47133684564141,"sku":"AG-104297","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ Medium","offer_id":47133684596909,"sku":"AG-104298","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Female \/ Large","offer_id":47133684629677,"sku":"AG-104299","price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/ZigzagWrasse-Halichoeresscapularis_Male.jpg?v=1785504148","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/zigzag-wrasse-halichoeres-scapularis","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}