Melanurus wrasse reef compatibility check
Halichoeres melanurus
Melanurus wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) is an intermediate-level wrasse that needs at least 55 gallons. It is reef safe with caution; may eat some small invertebrates. Temperament is semi aggressive and adults reach about 5 inches. ReefCrafter schedules it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle.
Useful active wrasse for larger covered reefs where invert risk is acceptable.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 55+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 55 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Keepers without some reef experience and stable parameters.
- ✕ Reefs where the cautions on this page would put existing corals or inverts at risk.
- ✕ Peaceful community tanks with small, timid fish.
Compatibility warnings
- May eat some small invertebrates.
- Needs sand and a lid.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 55 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Professionals should model aggression by territory and introduction order, not only by care level.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 55 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Semi Aggressive
- Reef safety
- Caution
- Adult size
- 5 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Varied
- Light
- None
- Bioload
- 1.5
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Yellow coris wrasse
50+ gallons.
- Carpenter's flasher wrasse
40+ gallons, reef safe.
- Six line wrasse
30+ gallons, reef safe.
- Pink streaked wrasse
20+ gallons, beginner care, reef safe.
Equipment that fits
- Red Sea Reefer Peninsula 350 G2+ System (73 Gal)
73-gallon display, above this animal's 55-gallon floor.
- Waterbox INFINIA Frag 125.4 Aquarium System (78 gallons)
78-gallon display, above this animal's 55-gallon floor.
- Waterbox MARINE X 110.4 Aquarium System (79 gallons)
79-gallon display, above this animal's 55-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the melanurus wrasse need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 55 gallons, based on an adult size of about 5 inches, plus swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the melanurus wrasse reef safe?
It is reef safe with caution in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: May eat some small invertebrates; Needs sand and a lid.
Is the melanurus wrasse good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate care, so most beginners should add it later, after parameters have been stable.
When should I add the melanurus wrasse to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.