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Melanurus Wrasse

Halichoeres melanurus

Also called Tail-spot wrasse, Tailspot wrasse

Peaceful and busy, getting along with calm tankmates and even with others of its own kind.

SizeSmall
Length12 to 14 cm (5 to 6 in)12
CoatSlender wrasse
OriginIndo-Pacific: Bali and Western Australia to Micronesia and Samoa, north to Japan and south to Australia21
Last checked2026-09-30
SpeciesShort profile
Bright striped colours
Peaceful
Helps keep pest worms and snails in check
3

Personality what they are like

Peaceful and busy, getting along with calm tankmates and even with others of its own kind.3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Melanurus Wrasse. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
  • Temperature checkevery day
  • Salinity checkevery week
  • Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
  • Water testevery week
  • Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
  • Glass cleanevery week

Looks how to spot one

Slender wrasse

A slim wrasse with a blue-green body striped horizontally in orange, pink or yellow. Females and young fish show dark eye-spots on the dorsal fin and near the tail, and males can brighten their colours dramatically when courting.213

Coloursblue-greenorangepinkyellowblack spots (females)23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active swimmer that patrols the rockwork during the day and needs a sandy bottom.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Offer meaty foods such as enriched frozen mysis and brine shrimp. It may also snack on small ornamental invertebrates.3

Home where they are happiest

Minimum about 50 US gallons (189 L) with a sandy bottom. Wild fish live on shallow coral reefs and rocky shores at 1 to 15 m.32

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivore. In the wild it eats small invertebrates such as worms, copepods, isopods and forams; in aquariums it takes meaty frozen foods.23

Company who they like around

Found alone or in small groups in the wild and forms pairs to breed.2

The story where it all began

Pieter Bleeker described it in 1851 as Julis melanurus. Its common name refers to the dark spot near the tail, and it is a popular display fish in public aquariums.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Males put on a colour show, flashing brighter hues when females are near.1

  2. 2

    It readily hunts fireworms and small snails in aquariums.3

  3. 3

    Females wear eye-spots on the dorsal and tail fins that males lack.1

  4. 4

    It is a favourite display species in public aquariums.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 2008)2

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Melanurus Wrasse?

Feed your Melanurus Wrasse small amounts once or twice a day. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily feeding in small portions. This active swimmer will appreciate regular meals.3 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Melanurus Wrasse eat, and what should it never eat?

This carnivore enjoys meaty foods like enriched frozen mysis and brine shrimp. In the wild it eats small invertebrates. It may snack on small ornamental invertebrates in the tank, so avoid keeping those as tankmates. Never feed it anything other than appropriate meaty foods.32

How much space does a Melanurus Wrasse need?

A minimum of about 50 US gallons (189 liters) is recommended. It needs a sandy bottom and plenty of rockwork to patrol during the day. This active swimmer will thrive in a well-sized aquarium.32

What temperature, light or water does a Melanurus Wrasse need?

It needs stable marine aquarium conditions. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily temperature checks, weekly salinity checks, and weekly water tests. Specific temperature and light levels vary by setup, so consult a vet or experienced breeder for exact numbers. Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Melanurus Wrasse's home?

Clean the glass weekly and perform a partial water change of 10 to 20% every two weeks. This keeps the water quality stable for your active wrasse. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Melanurus Wrasse live with others?

Yes, it is peaceful and busy, getting along with calm tankmates and even with others of its own kind. In the wild it is found alone or in small groups, so choose companions wisely.32

How long does a Melanurus Wrasse live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For a more accurate estimate, ask a vet or an experienced breeder who knows this species well.

Can I handle a Melanurus Wrasse?

Handling is not recommended as it causes stress and can harm the fish. Enjoy watching it swim and patrol the rockwork instead.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Halichoeres melanurus en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, size, display behaviour
  2. FishBase: Halichoeres melanurus fishbase.seused for distribution, size, depth, habitat, diet, colours, IUCN
  3. LiveAquaria: Melanurus Wrasse liveaquaria.comused for care, tank size, temperament, diet, colours

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.