Checkerboard Wrasse (Halichoeres hortulanus)
Fish in the family Labridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Checkerboard Wrasse displays a distinctive pattern of alternating blue and yellow or orange squares on the body and head. The body is robust and laterally compressed, with a pointed snout and terminal mouth adapted for feeding on small benthic invertebrates.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied diet of high-quality carnivorous foods including finely chopped krill, mysis shrimp, small copepods, and quality marine flakes. Offer food multiple times daily in small amounts to match their natural grazing behavior on small invertebrates in the reef.
Difficulty and care for the Checkerboard Wrasse
Moderate - Very common, larger utility wrasse. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef, typically found on coral reefs and rocky areas at depths of 5 to 40 meters.
Keeper notes
Very common, larger utility wrasse. May eat small fish and invertebrates. Requires large tank.
Log Checkerboard Wrasse in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Checkerboard Wrasse alongside everything else in your reef.
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