Wrasse – Neon (Halichoeres biocellatus)

Description

Bold, beautiful, and brimming with personality, the elegantly-striped Red-Lined Wrasse makes the perfect addition to showcase in your display reef aquarium. Also known in the hobby as the False-eyed or Biocellate Wrasse, juvenileHalichoeres biocellatusand sub adults are easily identifiable by a pair of ocelli, or “false eyes”, on the dorsal fin which disappear as the Red-Lined Wrasse matures.

The ideal setup for the Red-Lined Wrasse will be a well-established saltwater aquarium of at least 35 gallons in size with a tight-fitting lid. Aquascape liberally with live rock, making sure to include a large area of open substrate to best replicate the seaward reefs from which the Red-Lined Wrasse originates. In the wild, the Red-Lined Wrasse also prefers to inhabit reef crests and slopes so be sure to maintain open spaces for swimming. A sandy substrate layer 2-3 inches in depth provides refuge for the Red-Lined Wrasse as it burrows into the sand for the evening or when frightened. House the Red-Lined Wrasse with other peaceful wrasses, including members of its own species.

The natural diet of the Red-Lined Wrasse consists of benthic invertebrates and as such, large, hungry Red-Lined Wrasse will eat fireworms and pyramidellid snails, protecting corals and clams from these undesirable invertebrates. The Red-Lined Wrasse may also eat parasites off of tank mates. Though this hearty appetite for invertebrates seems beneficial, keep in mind that the Red-Lined Wrasse cannot differentiate between “undesirable” and “desirable” invertebrates. If the opportunity presents itself, the Red-Lined Wrasse will most likely make a meal of “desirable” ornamental invertebrates including fan worms, shrimp, and other crustaceans in the home aquarium. However, the Red-Lined Wrasse typically will not harm sessile invertebrates including soft or stony corals.

In the home aquarium, the diet of the Red-Lined Wrasse should include vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp and vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp. The Red-Lined Wrasse is an active forager that requires frequent small feedings throughout the day.