Melanurus Wrasse
Melanurus Wrasse
Melanurus Wrasse: Vibrant Beauty for Your Reef
The Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) is a striking and dynamic addition to any reef aquarium. Known for its vibrant coloration and active demeanor, this wrasse brings a splash of life to your underwater world. Its iridescent green body, highlighted with bold stripes of orange and blue, is sure to captivate both novice and experienced aquarists alike.
Care Level & Requirements
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 55+ gallons
Diet: Carnivore – enjoys a varied diet of meaty foods, including brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood
Reef Safe: Yes
Compatibility & Benefits
The Melanurus Wrasse is an excellent community fish, compatible with a wide variety of other peaceful reef inhabitants. Its curious nature and active swimming habits make it a lively presence that enhances any tank. This wrasse is also known for its beneficial role in controlling pest populations, such as bristleworms and flatworms, contributing to the overall health and balance of your reef ecosystem.
Water Parameters
To ensure the health and vibrancy of your Melanurus Wrasse, maintain stable water conditions:
- Temperature: 72-78°F
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
Tank Setup
A well-established reef aquarium of at least 55 gallons is recommended to accommodate this active swimmer. Provide plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging, as well as ample open space for swimming. The Melanurus Wrasse enjoys a sand substrate, which allows it to exhibit its natural burrowing behavior.
What to Expect
Expect a lively and inquisitive fish that will quickly become a favorite in your marine display. The Melanurus Wrasse is not only a visual delight but also a functional member of your reef's cleanup crew. With proper care, this wrasse will thrive, adding both beauty and utility to your aquarium. Discover the vibrant world of the Melanurus Wrasse and elevate your reef experience today.
Feeding & Diet
Feeding & Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, the Pithos Crab will scavenge detritus, uneaten food, and algae — making it a natural cleanup crew member. Supplement with small meaty foods like mysis shrimp or pellets 2–3x per week if natural food sources are limited.
Care & Water Parameters
Care & Water Parameters
The Pithos Crab thrives in stable, well-maintained reef conditions. Target parameters: temperature 72–78°F, salinity 1.025–1.026 SG, pH 8.1–8.4, and alkalinity 8–12 dKH. A mature, established tank of at least 20 gallons is recommended.
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Reef & Tank Compatibility
Generally considered reef-safe. The Pithos Crab coexists well with most corals and peaceful fish. Use caution with very small invertebrates or slow-moving tankmates. Provide ample rockwork and hiding spots to reduce territorial behavior.
Size & Growth
Size & Growth
Pithos Crabs are typically shipped at 0.5–1.5 inches. They are slow-growing and generally remain small, making them well-suited for nano and mid-size reef systems.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
All livestock ships with heat or cold packs as needed and is packaged for safe transit. We stand behind a live arrival guarantee — if your animal arrives DOA, contact us within 2 hours of delivery with a clear photo. See our full DOA policy for claim details.
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