Yellowtail Checkerboard Wrasse
A large Halichoeres wrasse patterned in a green and white checkerboard with a yellow tail. Hardy and active, and considerably larger at maturity than most buyers expect.
Feeding
Carnivorous. Frozen mysis, chopped prawn, clam and marine pellets. Crushes hard-shelled prey with strong jaws.
Compatibility
Reef safe with corals but will eat ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails and urchins. Assertive toward smaller wrasses as it grows.
Behaviour and personality
Constantly active across the rockwork, burying in the sand to sleep. Juvenile and adult patterns differ dramatically.
Specifications
| Species | Halichoeres |
|---|---|
| Size at maturity | 25 cm |
| Feeding type | Carnivorous |
| Reef compatibility | Reef safe with corals; eats shrimp, crabs, snails, urchins |
| Behavior | Active, buries in sand to sleep, aggressive toward smaller wrasses |
FAQ
What should I feed my Yellowtail Checkerboard Wrasse?
Feed frozen mysis, chopped prawn, clam, and marine pellets. It uses strong jaws to crush hard-shelled prey.
Is this wrasse safe for a reef tank?
It is reef safe with corals, but will eat ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and urchins. Ensure these species are not present in the tank.
How big does this wrasse grow?
It reaches around 25 cm at maturity, which is significantly larger than the juvenile appearance suggests.
Elizabeth Vance –
Bought this wrasse for my 120-liter reef tank. It’s very active and spends most of the day moving around the rockwork. The adult pattern is quite striking—different from the juvenile. I had to add a fine sand bed and sealed lid as recommended. It’s not shy and will dig into the sand at night. Watch out for shrimp, as it eats them.
Andrea Langdon –
The wrasse arrived healthy and seems to be adjusting well. It’s more active than expected and has started burying in the sand. I feed it mysis and chopped prawn daily. It’s not aggressive toward corals, but I’ve noticed it chasing smaller wrasses. Needs a spacious setup with deep sand.
Keith Duncan –
Great addition to my reef. The green and white checkerboard pattern is unique. It’s very hardy and stays active even in a moderate tank. I’ve had to remove a few small snails and shrimp, but it’s otherwise peaceful with corals. The tail color is bright yellow and stands out.