Adorned Wrasse (Halichoeres cosmetes)

QUICK STATS

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 5"

Color Form: Black, Blue, Orange, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Origin: Indonesia

Family: Labridae

Overview

Bold, beautiful, and brimming with personality, the elegantly-striped Adorned Wrasse makes the perfect addition to your showcase reef aquarium. This two-spotted beauty boasts iridescent tangerine stripes across a bluish green body.

In the home aquarium, try to replicate seaward reefs of mixed coral and reef rock with sand patches. The Adorned Wrasse also prefers to inhabit reef crests and slopes on rocky or rubble-algae substrates. A 50-gallon or larger aquarium with a tight-fitting lid and a 2-3 inch sandy bottom to hide under if frightened makes an ideal environment. Stock with other peaceful wrasses.

The Adorned Wrasse will eat fireworms and pyramidellid snails; protecting corals and clams. In addition, it may eat feather dusters, wild shrimp, tubeworms, and flatworms. It may also eat parasites off of tank mates. The Adorned Wrasse diet should include vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods. These fish should be offered small quantities of food several times per day.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4-1/2"