Tail-spot Wrasse - Halichoeres melanurus - Small/Medium

The Tail-spot Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) is known by several common names in the trade including Orange-tipped Rainbow Wrasse, Wardley Wrasse, and Hoeven's Wrasse. The fish has alternating blue-green and orange stripes, narrow blue-green bars in the upper side, and a black tipped tail. Females and juveniles may have a black spot around the middle of the dorsal fin or at the base of the tail. Coloration can vary depending on geographical region and maturity. These are common wrasses in the trade and are great additions to reef or fish-only aquariums.

Wrasses from the Halichoeres and Thalassoma genera are some of the most active in the wrasse group. Most are narrow and torpedo-shaped. While Thalassoma wrasses are often in the upper to mid-water ranges of the aquarium, Halichoeres wrasses are often closer to the substrate or rockwork, especially when young. They also bury themselves in the substrate when resting or threatened. Because of this behavior, Halichoeres wrasses are often confused with some Coris wrasses. Thalassoma wrasses are also sometimes known as "paddlefin wrasses" due to their use of their pectoral fins while swimming. Longer aquariums with plenty of swimming room are best for these wrasses.

Halichoeres and Thalassoma wrasses are more active and aggressive than many other groups, especially as adults. Tankmates should be around the same size, aggression and activity level; avoid very small or docile tankmates, They should not be kept with invertebrates like crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) or feather duster worms. Some do not bother corals, but they may damage colonies as they search for food and may nip at polyps and fleshier corals. Feed a varied meaty diet of frozen and prepared foods; most wrasses will also graze on microinverts in the aquarium (copepods, amphipods, worms, etc.).