Radiant 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.

• Commitment4–8 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

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

The Radiant Wrasse (Halichoeres iridis) comes from the western Indian Ocean and reaches about 9 to 11 cm. Adults have an orange head, a greenish-blue body and a black ocellus on the dorsal fin. Like other Halichoeres it buries itself in the sand to sleep and when startled, which means a sand bed is a requirement rather than a decoration. Keep it in a 150 litre or larger reef tank with at least 5 cm of fine sand, at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4, and a tight lid because it jumps. Feed mysis, enriched brine, chopped seafood and pellets two to three times daily, since it burns energy constantly. It is reef safe with corals and eats pest bristleworms and flatworms, but it will hunt small snails, tiny hermit crabs and ornamental shrimp. It is peaceful with fish and a good choice for a mixed reef, provided you accept losing some clean-up crew invertebrates.

• How active is a Radiant Wrasse?

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

• How much maintenance does a Radiant Wrasse need?

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

• What tank size does a Radiant Wrasse need?

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

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

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

• How long do Radiant Wrasse live?

  4–8 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Radiant 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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