Christmas Wrasse

• ExerciseVery high

  A powerful swimmer that needs a long tank and real swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment5–10 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

The Christmas Wrasse (Halichoeres claudia) is a Pacific species reaching about 12 to 13 cm, long confused with the closely related Halichoeres ornatissimus. Its body carries alternating vertical bands of green and salmon-red with intricate markings on the head. It is a sand-sleeper like its relatives and needs a soft bed to bury in each night. Provide 250 litres or more with a deep fine sand bed and secure lid, at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. It is an enthusiastic eater of mysis, chopped seafood, enriched brine and pellets, fed two or three times a day. It is hardy and coral safe and is often introduced to hunt pest snails, flatworms and bristleworms. The honest trade-off is the same as for its genus: ornamental shrimp, small snails and tiny hermits are treated as food, so choose it for a fish-and-coral reef rather than one built around invertebrates.

• How active is a Christmas Wrasse?

  Very high. A powerful swimmer that needs a long tank and real swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Christmas Wrasse need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Christmas Wrasse need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Christmas Wrasse a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Christmas Wrasse live?

  5–10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Christmas Wrasse?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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