Checkerboard Wrasse

Halichoeres Wrasse should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work should be provided for grazing and foraging behaviours. Halichoeres Wrasse will bury themselves in the sand at night and if startled, provide a deep sand bed. They may pick at crustaceans and fan worms. A diet of meaty and algae based foods are readily accepted by Halichoeres Wrasse. Males and females generally exhibit color or pattern differences. Halichoeres Wrasse are hardy and well adapted to aquarium life. Harems of 1 male and a couple of females can cohabitate well if added at the same time but can become a bit territorial if added seperately. Wrasse are hermaphrodites meaning they start as juveniles/females but at some point in their life may turn into a male. Wrasse are jumpers be sure to provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid.

The Checkerboard Wrasse are also sometimes known as the Chequered, Fourspot or Wall Wrasse. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. Colors may vary depending upon maturity, collection area or breeding period. Males are a silver to white color with a black checkerboard pattern, light green face with orange to pink striped marking and a yellow dorsal fin and tail. Females are similar however are a bit subdued while juveniles are mottled black and with with yellow spots around their head and yellow trimmed spots on their dorsal and tail fin. Checkerboard Wrasse can grow to almost 7".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 100 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH