🌈 Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus)

The Melanurus Wrasse, also called the Tail Spot Wrasse or Hoeven's Wrasse, is one of the best pest-control wrasses for reef aquariums. Hardy, colorful, and relatively peaceful for its genus, this wrasse actively hunts flatworms, pyramidellid snails, and bristleworms while generally leaving corals and most invertebrates alone.

📋 Quick Facts

✅ Why Melanurus Wrasses Excel

• Excellent pest hunter - Flatworms, pyramidellid snails, bristleworms
• Hardy and adaptable - Easy to keep
• Beautiful coloration - Males especially vibrant
• More peaceful - Than Six Line Wrasses
• Active and visible - Always swimming
• Affordable - Reasonably priced

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 50 gallons minimum
• Substrate: Sand bed required - sleeps buried in sand
• Sand depth: 2-3 inches minimum
• Rockwork: Plenty of swimming room and hunting grounds
• Lid: Secure cover - will jump

Water Parameters

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous and always hungry, Melanurus Wrasses hunt constantly and accept all meaty foods.

Primary Diet

• Frozen mysis shrimp - Staple
• Frozen brine shrimp - Enriched
• Quality pellets - Carnivore formulas
• Frozen marine mix

Pest Control Diet

• Flatworms - Actively hunts
• Pyramidellid snails - Protects clams
• Bristleworms - Small to medium
• Pods - Copepods, amphipods
• Small snails - May eat pest snails

Feeding Schedule

• Feed 2-3 times daily
• High metabolism - needs regular feeding
• Will supplement with tank fauna

🐟 Compatibility

Excellent Tankmates

• Tangs
• Clownfish
• Angels (most species)
• Anthias
• Other Halichoeres wrasses (in large tanks)
• Blennies and gobies

Use Caution

• Fairy wrasses - May chase initially
• Very small wrasses - Possible aggression
• Flasher wrasses - Monitor for harassment

🦐 Invertebrate Compatibility

Safe

• All corals
• Large shrimp (cleaner shrimp, fire shrimp)
• Clams (actually protects them from parasites)
• Large snails
• Sea urchins

At Risk

• Sexy shrimp - Will likely eat
• Small hermit crabs - May eat tiny ones
• Feather dusters - Occasional nipping
• Small ornamental shrimp

😴 Sleeping Behavior

Melanurus Wrasses sleep buried in the sand:

• Dive into sand at lights out
• May not emerge for several days when new
• Don't panic if you don't see them initially
• Will emerge once comfortable
• Sand bed is required, not optional

⚠️ Health Considerations

• Generally very hardy
• Good disease resistance
• Quarantine recommended
• Watch for jumping during acclimation

💡 Tips for Success

• Must have sand bed for sleeping
• Secure lid - notorious jumpers
• Don't worry if they disappear in sand for days initially
• Great for tanks with flatworm issues
• Better temperament than Six Line Wrasse
• Pairs can work in larger tanks

📚 Summary

The Melanurus Wrasse is arguably the best all-around pest control wrasse. It's hardier and more peaceful than the Six Line while being equally effective at hunting pests. The requirement for a sand bed is non-negotiable - they cannot survive without it. A secure lid is also essential. For reef keepers dealing with flatworms or wanting proactive pest control, the Melanurus Wrasse is an excellent choice that also adds beautiful color and constant activity to the tank.