Facts, Information, Photos and Pictures of the Ornate Wrasse

Scientific Name:

Halichoeres ornatissimus.

Other Common Names:

Christmas Wrasse.

Distribution:

Includes the Hawaiian area, Johnston Island, and central Polynesia.

Description:

The head is red marked with horizontal green lines; the throat and belly are blue; each scale is marked by a vertical, cresent-shaped stripe followed by blue. The dorsal fin is dark red with a row of dark green oblong shaped spots on the lower part of the fin; the outer part is marked with a green band; the far outside edge of the fin is trimmed with a very thin blue line; two black spots are present on the dorsal fin, and a small, vertical, black mark is just behind the eye, which is a significant marking when identifying this species.

Characteristics and Compatibility:

As with most Wrasses, the Ornate Wrasse buries itself in the sand when frightened or while sleeping at night for protection. When keeping this Wrasse, or any others that bury themselves, it is important to keep the substrate cleaned and maintained regularly, as this fish can easily pick up internal and external bacterial and fungal infections from detritus build up in the sand or gravel. Is a non-aggressive species that is compatible with other fishes and is safe with corals, but may be a threat to fan worms, small hermit crabs, snails, and ornamental shrimps.

Diet and Feeding:

The Ornate Wrasse is a carnivore. Its main diet consists of small crustaceans and invertebrates. In captivity it well feed on meaty fares such as fresh or frozen seafoods, dried, frozen or live brine and mysid shrimp, live grass shrimp, as well as flake foods. Recommended to feed several times a day.

Maximum Size:

To about 7".