Ornatissimus Wrasse

The ornatissimus wrasse is one of the most colorful Halichoeres species, keeping its pattern of dense red-pink spots and lines on a green background in both sexes. Females and juveniles have two eyespots on the dorsal fin; juveniles have light green markings with a metallic sheen along the head and back. Like other Halichoeres species, it spends the night and moments of danger buried in the sand. Specimens are wild-collected; it is normal for it not to come out of the sand during the first days.

• At least 300 liters and 120 cm in length.
• A fine-grained sand bed at least 5–8 cm deep is essential.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C; a lid is recommended.
• Reef-safe with caution: It leaves corals alone, but may eat small shrimp, snails and tube worms. It is also useful as a hunter of parasitic snails and flatworms.

Carnivorous; in the wild it feeds on small bottom-dwelling crustaceans and mollusks. Offer frozen mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood and granules; feed small amounts 2–3 times a day.

Active and curious; it can become more dominant as it grows. It is cantankerous towards its own kind and similar Halichoeres species.

Good companions: Tangs, dwarf angelfish, anthias, clownfish, large gobies, foxface.

Avoid: Small ornamental shrimp, hermit crabs, very small fish, a second specimen of the same species.