Family: Labridae
Distribution: Halichoeres chloropterus prefer silty sand, rubble bottoms and the shallow sheltered coral reefs and inshore waters of the tropical Western Pacific, Phillipines and Indo-Pacific region.
PH: 8.1 – 8.4
Temperature: 24°C -28°C (75 – 82F)
Salinity: 1.020 – 1.026
Description: The fish of many names, Halichoeres chloropterus is also known as the Green Wrasse, Pastel-green Wrasse, Black Blotched Rainbowfish, Dark blotch Wrasse, Green Spotted Wrasse and Green Coris. An absolutely gorgeous addition to any marine aquarium, the body of a female Green Wrasse is luminescent pale green with a white underbelly, small dark spots on the sides of their body and a thin dark line on the abdomen and pectoral fin base. Male Green Wrasse are similar and have a network of pink spotted bands on its body, and asymmetrical lines of pink and green around the head.
Diet: Green Wrasse are carnivorous and while it prefers live food, it will feed on frozen offerings as well. Provide such tasty treats as fireworms, clams, mysid shrimp, squid, flaked foods, tubeworms, flatworms, scallop clam and other crustacean. Feed your fish at least twice a day.
Breeding: Like other wrasse, Halichoeres chloropterus, can change sex during their life to maintain the balance of dominance in a harem, which consists of a dominant male and multiple females in their natural marine environment. The females release their eggs into the water and the ocean currents take them away. As such, they are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity.
Comments: The peaceful Green Wrasse is suitable for a moderately experienced or expert aquarist. This powerful swimmer needs rockwork, a fine sandy base and caves – all to act as places in which to hide should it become frightened.
Choose at least a 210L (60 gallon) aquarium with a tight-fitting lid, as these fish are excellent leapers. Opt for high light level in your marine tank, and if you wish to keep
more than one per tank, choose one larger fish and the rest smaller – possibly, two females or a male and female.
Tip: If you have just bought a Green Wrasse and it has disappeared, it is probably just hiding or sleeping in the sandy base. Don’t worry; it will reappear when it has acclimatised itself.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species:
Halichoeres chloropterus is a known threat to worms, small snails and crustaceans, although safe with coral, so exercise caution in a reef set up. While Green Wrasse are usually peaceful and happy community marine dwellers, they can get cantankerous with new additions to their aquarium home, so keep an eye on their behaviour.
Depending on the size and temperament of your wrasse, potential tankmates could include the hogfish, parrotfish, pseudochromis, squirrelfish, puffers, tangs and surgeons and live corals.
Originally posted 2010-03-15 20:31:42. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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