Zigzag Wrasse
Halichoeres scapularis
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Wrasse
Family: Wrasse
Log in or create an account to add this species to your tanks.
Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Zigzag Wrasse
General information
Zigzag Wrasse can grow up to 7-1/2″ (20 cm). They are found in depth ranging from 6′ – 150′ (2 – 50m) in shallow lagoons, usually over sand, rubble, or seagrass bottom. They are generally peaceful but may display aggression towards members of the same species. Maintain water temperature between 73 – 78 F (23 -26 C) degrees and pH at between 8.0 – 8.3.
Diet & nutrition
The Zigzag wrasse are carnivorous in nature. They hunt and feed on hard shell invertebrates but generally feed on any meat bait. This may include flatworms and pyramid snails.
Determining sex
They are born protogynous females with the possibility to turn into males later on. The females have a black or yellow stripe zigzagging along the body on a white background. The male has a light blue-green background with pinkish vertical markings across the body.
Breeding & spawning
They do well in pairs or one male with numerous females. They depict distinct pairings during breeding.
Origination
Can be found in the Indo-West Pacific, Eastern Africa coast, the Red Sea, Northern of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and South of Japan.
Cautions
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.
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.
They are generally peaceful but may display aggression towards members of the same species.
All photos
Tap a photo to open the gallery viewer.