Lightning Wrasse (Halichoeres cyanocephalus)

Fish in the family Labridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.

Quick facts

Scientific nameHalichoeres cyanocephalus

FamilyLabridae

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyReef Safe with Caution

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size5.5 in

Minimum tank size50 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding scheduleFeed 2-3 times daily

Appearance

The Lightning Wrasse displays a distinctive blue-green head with bright yellow body coloration and a characteristic lightning-bolt marking along its flank. It has an elongated, streamlined body typical of wrasses with a pointed snout.

Diet and feeding

Feed a varied carnivorous diet including high-quality small frozen foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods) and quality flake foods formulated for wrasses. Offer 1-2 times daily in amounts the fish can consume within a few minutes.

Difficulty and care for the Lightning Wrasse

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and central Pacific.

Log Lightning 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 Lightning Wrasse alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app