Great Lakes Corals
Checkerboard Wrasse
Checkerboard Wrasse
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Checkerboard Wrasse (Halichoeres hortulanus)
Quick Stats:
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Color Form: White body with a green checkerboard pattern and vibrant accents of yellow, orange, and blue
- Diet: Carnivore
- Reef Compatible: With Caution
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Water Conditions:
- Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025
- Temperature: 72–78°F
- dKH: 8–12
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Max. Size: 12 inches
- Family: Labridae
- Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Overview:
The Checkerboard Wrasse, also known as the Marble Wrasse or Hortulanus Wrasse, is a visually stunning species that captivates aquarists with its intricate checkerboard pattern and vibrant coloration. Active and inquisitive, this wrasse spends much of its time exploring the tank and foraging for food, making it a lively and entertaining addition to larger aquariums.
Habitat and Behavior:
Native to coral reefs and sandy areas in the Indo-Pacific, the Checkerboard Wrasse is a highly active swimmer that requires plenty of open space and rock structures for hiding and foraging. They are known for their semi-aggressive nature and may harass smaller, more passive tankmates. Provide plenty of hiding spots and sand for them to burrow in at night.
Diet:
As carnivores, Checkerboard Wrasses thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, and chopped seafood. High-quality frozen or pellet foods formulated for marine carnivores can be used as supplements. Feed them 2-3 times daily to support their active lifestyle.
Care Tips:
Due to their large size and active swimming behavior, they require a tank of at least 125 gallons. While they are generally considered reef-safe with corals, caution is advised as they may prey on small invertebrates, such as snails, shrimp, and crabs. Ensure stable water parameters and a secure lid to prevent jumping.
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