Halichoeres hortulanus
| Identification | A white body with a bold black-and-green checkerboard pattern, a yellow spot on the dorsal fin and yellow-green head markings. Juveniles are white with orange saddles and eyespots. Also called the Checkerboard Wrasse. |
|---|---|
| Maximum Length | 10.6″ |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific & Red Sea |
| Minimum Tank Size | 125 Gallon |
| Reef Compatibility | With caution. Safe with corals but will eat small snails, worms, crustaceans and clean-up crew. |
Behavior
An active, hardy sand-associated wrasse that dives into the substrate to sleep and when startled, so a deep sand bed is required. Peaceful toward fish but predatory toward small invertebrates — useful against bristleworms and pyramid snails.
Diet & Feeding
Mysis, brine, chopped seafood, clam and pellet; feeds readily.
Cautions
Needs a sand bed to bury in; will hunt ornamental invertebrates.