Checkerboard Wrasse

The juvenile Marble/Hortulanus Wrasse is white with stripes, dots, and patches of black. With maturity, it becomes silver with a distinctive black checkerboard pattern on the body. The dorsal fin and tail are yellow, and the face is light green with orange to pink striped markings. A large aquarium with a sealed lid, a 2-3 inch sandy bottom to hide under if frightened, and other peaceful wrasses, including its own species, is a suitable environment. In the tank, it will eat fireworms and pyramidellid snails, protecting corals and clams. In addition, it may eat feather dusters, wild shrimp, tubeworms, and flatworms.

<p>Wrasse are considered jumpers make sure your aquarium has a tight-fitting canopy or screen cover to prevent the Wrasse from jumping out of your aquarium. Wrasse have been known to jump through the smallest of holes in a canopy. <br /><br />Wrasses prefer to have a 2" (5cm) sandbed to allow them to burrow into the sand to sleep or when they feel like they are in danger. Some people with bare bottom tanks have also added a Tupperware with a 2" deep sand bed to accommodate the wrasse's needs. </p> <p>They are generally peaceful but may display aggression towards members of the same species.</p>

Venomous (Change Content)