Marginated wrasse
Halichoeres marginatus
Family : Labridae
The Marginated wrasse is a large wrasse with bright colors and a distinctive border on its fins. It is hardy and suitable for large marine aquariums.
Description
This wrasse can reach 15 cm and has an elongated, robust body. Its coloration is variable: adult males are bright green with horizontal blue bands and a red or orange border on the dorsal and anal fins. Females are duller, often brown or greenish. The head is marked with pink or blue lines. It has a protractile mouth and powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush shells. It is an active hunter that feeds on mollusks, crustaceans and sea urchins. It is known to turn over stones in search of prey. It buries itself in the sand to sleep and hide.
Habitat
Region :
Coral reefs, lagoons and rocky areas
Distribution :
Recommended parameters
Care
Care notes
An aquarium of at least 300 liters is recommended due to its adult size and activity. The substrate should be sandy and deep to allow burrowing. Temperature: 24-28°C, pH: 8.1-8.4. It is carnivorous and requires a varied diet: mussels, shrimp, fish pieces, and frozen foods. It can be kept with other robust fish, but it is territorial and may attack small fish or invertebrates. Avoid decorative shellfish that it might break. Moderate to strong flow and standard lighting are suitable. Regular water changes (15% weekly) are important.
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