Melanurus wrasse size: how big does it get?

Adults reach about 12 cm. The largest on record measured 14 cm (total length). Record sizes among the 17 Halichoeres species on LumaReef: 8.8 cm (Claudia's Wrasse) to 27 cm (Checkerboard Wrasse).

Melanurus wrasse tank size: what is the minimum?

A tank at least 120 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Wide tank or larger.

Melanurus wrasse water parameters: what does it need?

Temperature 23–27 °C, pH 7.8–8.5. Close to what most Labridae on LumaReef need (23–27 °C).

Melanurus wrasse tank mates: what can it live with?

It gets along with 72 of the 99 reef species in the catalogue, such as Tomato clownfish, Bicolor angelfish, and Lawnmower blenny.

Melanurus wrasse depth: how deep does it live?

In the wild, 1 to 15 m down. Shallower than most Halichoeres on LumaReef (1–33 m).

ReefIn the market320 coinsCommon

Melanurus wrasse

Halichoeres melanurus

Tireless from end to end of the tank, then buried in sand at dusk.

The Melanurus wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) is a tropical marine fish of the family Labridae. It lives on and around reefs, between 1 and 15 m deep. Adults grow to about 12 cm; the largest on record measured 14 cm (total length). In the aquarium it needs a tank at least 120 cm long and water at 23–27 °C.

Size: 12 cm
Smallest tank: 120 cm
Temperature: 23–27 °C
Care: Easy

In the aquarium

Temperature23–27 °C

pH7.8–8.5

Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Busy
Water layer: Mid water
Group: Lives on its own
Coral: Reef safe

These values are compiled from real species data, and the LumaReef simulation is built to keep them true to life.

Which tank it fits

Nano60 cm · 65 litresToo small
Standard90 cm · 180 litresToo small
Wide120 cm · 300 litres18 of them
Living room180 cm · 650 litres40 of them
Showcase250 cm · 1,200 litres75 of them
Gallery300 cm · 1,440 litres90 of them

Who it lives with

Gets along72 species

and 48 more species

Caution18 species

Crowding the same layer

Narrow shared temperature range

Lined seahorse

Not together9 species

Aggressive with peaceful

In the wild

Water type: Marine
Climate zone: Tropical
Habitat: Coral and rocky reefs
Largest on record: 14 cmtotal length
Aquarium trade: Public aquariums only

Depth

surface

1 m15 m

Conservation status

Classification

OrderLabriformes
FamilyLabridae
GenusHalichoeres
SpeciesHalichoeres melanurus
Described byBleeker, 1851

In other languages

English: Pinstriped Wrasse
German: Hoebens Junker
Spanish: Lábrido de Hoeven
French: Labre à fines rayures
Italian: Labro coda nera
Japanese: カザリキュウセン
Chinese: 黑尾海豬魚

Quick answers

Melanurus wrasse size: how big does it get?: Adults reach about 12 cm. The largest on record measured 14 cm (total length). Record sizes among the 17 Halichoeres species on LumaReef: 8.8 cm (Claudia's Wrasse) to 27 cm (Checkerboard Wrasse).
Melanurus wrasse tank size: what is the minimum?: A tank at least 120 cm long. In LumaReef that is the Wide tank or larger.
Melanurus wrasse water parameters: what does it need?: Temperature 23–27 °C, pH 7.8–8.5. Close to what most Labridae on LumaReef need (23–27 °C).
Melanurus wrasse tank mates: what can it live with?: It gets along with 72 of the 99 reef species in the catalogue, such as Tomato clownfish, Bicolor angelfish, and Lawnmower blenny.
Melanurus wrasse: alone or in a group?: It can be kept on its own.
Melanurus wrasse and corals: is it reef safe?: Yes, it leaves corals alone.
Melanurus wrasse depth: how deep does it live?: In the wild, 1 to 15 m down. Shallower than most Halichoeres on LumaReef (1–33 m).