Melanurus Wrasse

Melanurus Wrasse: The Colorful Reef Cleaner

The Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus), also widely known as the Tail-spot Wrasse, Hoeven's Wrasse, or Pinstripe Wrasse, is a highly active and sought-after fish for the marine aquarium. It is celebrated for its stunning coloration and its beneficial role as a natural pest controller in reef systems.

This species displays moderate sexual dimorphism and intense coloration:

• Males (Terminal Phase) feature a vibrant blue-green body with numerous striking orange, red, and yellow horizontal stripes. They have a distinctive, black spot ringed in yellow/blue at the base of the tail fin (caudal peduncle).
• Females/Juveniles (Initial Phase) are typically paler with a prominent black eyespot (ocellus) on the dorsal fin, in addition to the tail spot.

Growing to a manageable size of 4.5–6 inches (11–15 cm), the Melanurus Wrasse is a non-stop daytime forager that adds movement and brilliant color to any tank. It is an excellent choice for intermediate hobbyists.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This is an active Carnivore/Micropredator with a high metabolism. It requires multiple small feedings (2-3 times) per day of varied, meaty foods, including enriched frozen preparations like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and high-quality pellets. Its constant foraging habit means it hunts micro-invertebrates throughout the day.
• Pest Control: The Melanurus Wrasse is famous for its natural predatory skills against aquarium pests. It is a known consumer of nuisance organisms such as Planaria flatworms, Pyramidellid snails (which parasitize Tridacna clams), and small bristle worms.
• Substrate Requirement: A minimum of a 2–3 inch deep bed of fine, soft sand is mandatory. This fish is a dedicated sand-burrower, diving into the sand to sleep at night or when startled. Without this, the wrasse can become highly stressed or sustain injuries.
• Reef Compatibility: It is generally considered Reef Safe With Caution. It will not harm corals but will hunt and consume tiny ornamental invertebrates like small snails, hermit crabs, and perhaps the smallest ornamental shrimp. Larger shrimp (e.g., Cleaner Shrimp) are generally safe.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful toward most tankmates. However, it can be aggressive toward its own species or other similar-looking Halichoeres wrasses. It is generally best kept singly. Avoid pairing it with very small, timid, or slow-moving fish that may be stressed by its high energy level.
• Tank Environment: A tight-fitting lid is essential, as this wrasse, like all Halichoeres species, is a notorious jumper.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Halichoeres melanurus
• Primary Common Name: Melanurus Wrasse
• Other Common Names: Tail-spot Wrasse, Hoeven's Wrasse, Pinstripe Wrasse
• Origin: Western Pacific (Japan to Great Barrier Reef and Samoa)
• Max Size: 4.5–6 inches (11–15 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful / Active (Caution with other wrasses)
• Diet: Carnivore (Micropredator - Needs multiple daily feedings)
• Minimum Tank Size: 55+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Great for pest control; may eat small inverts)