Christmas Wrasse

Green Christmas Wrasse: The Reef's Natural Pest Controller

The Green Christmas Wrasse (Halichoeres claudia) is a highly desirable, peaceful, and active member of the Halichoeres genus. It is widely praised by reef keepers for its natural ability to help control nuisance organisms, earning it the reputation of a natural reef janitor.

This species is visually stunning, featuring a base color of pale green or jade overlaid with intricate red or orange stripes that run horizontally across its body. Females and juveniles also display a prominent dark, ocellated (ringed) spot on the dorsal fin. Growing to a manageable size of around 5 to 7 inches (12–18 cm), it adds constant motion and brilliant color to the aquarium.

The Green Christmas Wrasse is a sand-burrower, requiring a specific substrate to thrive, and its high activity level means it needs multiple feedings throughout the day.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This wrasse is a dedicated Carnivore/Micropredator with a very high metabolism. It requires multiple small feedings (2-3 times) per day of varied, meaty foods, including enriched mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and high-quality pellets. Its constant hunting activity means it picks at micro-invertebrates throughout the day.
• Substrate Requirement: A minimum of a 2–3 inch deep bed of fine, soft sand is mandatory. This fish must burrow into the sand to sleep at night or when startled. Without appropriate substrate, it will become severely stressed and potentially injure itself.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Safe with Corals. Its primary benefit is that it actively hunts and consumes nuisance pests like Planaria flatworms and Pyramidellid snails (which parasitize Tridacna clams). However, it will also consume small ornamental invertebrates like tiny snails and small bristle worms. Large, clean shrimp (e.g., Cleaner Shrimp) are usually safe.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful and compatible with most community fish. It should not be housed with overly aggressive species that will outcompete it for food or cause it stress, as it is a shy burrower.
• Tank Environment: A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as this species is an excellent jumper. The tank should be well-established with plenty of live rock for hunting and hiding spots.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Halichoeres claudia
• Primary Common Name: Green Christmas Wrasse
• Other Common Names: Claudia's Wrasse, Ornamental Wrasse
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 5–7 inches (12–18 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore/Micropredator (Needs multiple daily feedings)
• Minimum Tank Size: 75+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: Safe with corals; may eat small decorative invertebrates.