Common Names: Melanurus Wrasse, Hoeven’s Wrasse, Pinstripe Wrasse

Scientific Name: Halichoeres melanurus

Origin: Western Pacific (Indonesia to the Philippines and Samoa)

Max Size: 12 cm (approx. 4.7 inches)

Lifespan: 58 years

Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-aggressive (can be bossy with other wrasses)

Diet: Carnivore Pest-control specialist

Care Level: Easy

The Colors: A horizontal “pinstripe” pattern consisting of alternating neon pink, orange, and blue/green lines.

The Tail Spot: A distinct black eyespot on the upper base of the tail fin (caudal peduncle) helps distinguish it from other Halichoeres species.

The “Mask”: The face is covered in intricate pink and yellow “war paint” scrolls.

Male vs. Female: Males have significantly more intense, saturated colors and larger fins, while females and juveniles are more muted but still very colorful.

Flatworms (Red and Clear)

Pyramidellid Snails (which attack clams and snails)

Montipora-Eating Nudibranchs

Bristle Worms (small to medium)

Fireworms

Sand Sleeper: This fish requires a sand bed. Just like the Leopard Wrasse, it dives into the sand at night or when it feels threatened.

Activity Level: They are high-energy swimmers that cruise every inch of the rockwork during the day.

Reef Safe (with Caution): They are 100% safe with corals. However, they are not safe for small ornamental shrimp (like Sexy Shrimp) or very small “feather duster” worms. Large Cleaner or Fire Shrimp are usually safe if the wrasse is added while small.

Social Structure: Best kept singly unless the tank is very large. They can be aggressive toward other Halichoeres wrasses or fish with a similar body shape.

Tank Size: A minimum of 200L (55 Gallons). They need plenty of horizontal room for their active swimming style.

Substrate (Mandatory): You must have a fine sand bed at least 23 inches deep. If you have a “bare bottom” tank, this fish will likely die from stress or physical injury.

Lid is Mandatory: Like all wrasses, they are “flighty” jumpers. They can easily launch themselves out of the tank if a light turns on suddenly or another fish chases them.

Feeding: Very easy to feed. They love frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets.

Common Names: Melanurus Wrasse, Hoeven’s Wrasse, Pinstripe Wrasse

Scientific Name: Halichoeres melanurus

Origin: Western Pacific (Indonesia to the Philippines and Samoa)

Max Size: 12 cm (approx. 4.7 inches)

Lifespan: 58 years

Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-aggressive (can be bossy with other wrasses)

Diet: Carnivore Pest-control specialist

Care Level: Easy

The Colors: A horizontal “pinstripe” pattern consisting of alternating neon pink, orange, and blue/green lines.

The Tail Spot: A distinct black eyespot on the upper base of the tail fin (caudal peduncle) helps distinguish it from other Halichoeres species.

The “Mask”: The face is covered in intricate pink and yellow “war paint” scrolls.

Male vs. Female: Males have significantly more intense, saturated colors and larger fins, while females and juveniles are more muted but still very colorful.

Flatworms (Red and Clear)

Pyramidellid Snails (which attack clams and snails)

Montipora-Eating Nudibranchs

Bristle Worms (small to medium)

Fireworms

Sand Sleeper: This fish requires a sand bed. Just like the Leopard Wrasse, it dives into the sand at night or when it feels threatened.

Activity Level: They are high-energy swimmers that cruise every inch of the rockwork during the day.

Reef Safe (with Caution): They are 100% safe with corals. However, they are not safe for small ornamental shrimp (like Sexy Shrimp) or very small “feather duster” worms. Large Cleaner or Fire Shrimp are usually safe if the wrasse is added while small.

Social Structure: Best kept singly unless the tank is very large. They can be aggressive toward other Halichoeres wrasses or fish with a similar body shape.

Tank Size: A minimum of 200L (55 Gallons). They need plenty of horizontal room for their active swimming style.

Substrate (Mandatory): You must have a fine sand bed at least 23 inches deep. If you have a “bare bottom” tank, this fish will likely die from stress or physical injury.

Lid is Mandatory: Like all wrasses, they are “flighty” jumpers. They can easily launch themselves out of the tank if a light turns on suddenly or another fish chases them.

Feeding: Very easy to feed. They love frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets.