Hoeven's Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus)

marinelife · Jul 14, 2011

Any information about them. How do they get along with small fish?

kayl · Jul 14, 2011

Best wrasse ever!

Mine gets along great with my clowns and got along fine with my jawfish that I used to have.

It does sometimes eat a hermit or two, but most of the time it's fine

swannyson7 · Jul 14, 2011

Here's a bit of information about them:
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/fi...en-s-wrasse-melanarus-wrasse-halichoeres.html

They're peaceful fish and are well suited to reef tanks. One of my favorite fish in my tank!

SaltWaterDave · Jul 14, 2011

Sorry to hijack your thread, but do you think they would get along with a Six-line wrasse?

swannyson7 · Jul 14, 2011

The melanarus is unlikely to attack the sixline, but sixline wrasses seem to be hit or miss as far as aggression, so I'd keep an eye on them if you decide to mix the two. If the sixline has been in the tank for a while, it will likely be territorial enough to attack any new additions.

SaltWaterDave · Jul 14, 2011

Thanks! The six-line as only been in the tank for a week so it's still getting adjusted and it's a small one. Only about 1.5" in length.

Frink · Jul 14, 2011

I just got rid of one that was very aggressive after he got comfortable in the tank. Attacked all other wrasses in the tank, chased my H.biocellatus wrasse into the overflow. Started messing with my small purple tang and quickly got more than he could handle.I have had others in the past that were model citizens.
Dean

Dave3112 · Jul 14, 2011

Hiker4twenty said:
Sorry to hijack your thread, but do you think they would get along with a Six-line wrasse?

Mine does.

ronnie · Jul 14, 2011

Frink said:
I just got rid of one that was very aggressive after he got comfortable in the tank. Attacked all other wrasses in the tank, chased my ocellarus wrasse into the overflow. Started messing with my small purple tang and quickly got more than he could handle.I have had other in the past that were model citizens.
Dean

+1

Mine has caused my (now missing) lubbocks wrasse to jump into the overflow box numerous times. He does display some aggression towards my clowns, but they have an anemone, so it is limited to outside that territory.

He does leave my yellow tang alone, though.

Very pretty fish - mine is my favorite fish - which is why I don't have any crabs/snails that I don't care if they are eaten.

SaltWaterDave · Jul 14, 2011

They are an awesome looking fish. My brother has one so I've wanted one since he got it a few months ago.

kingfisherfleshy · Jul 14, 2011

Attitude can be different from fish to fish.

My melanarus attacks almost everyone...but he takes a lot of heat as well.

I think they should be fine with a six line...if anything expect the six line to jump. I added mine to a tank with an established almost full size mystery wrasse...and they are the largest/meanest of the commonly available Pseudochellinus wrasses.

They (melanarus) do get fairly large, and can target inverts...I know people at four inches that are having them take out hermits, snails, and even nip at clam mantles to the point where the clam gets ripped up and they have gone after the foot of the clam. At full size they are not considered reef safe...so just as a fair warning, you can have issues.

Dave3112 · Jul 14, 2011

I have had my mealnarus for about 2-3 years now. It is about 6 inches or so. He does take out hermits from time to time. But has NEVER messed with my clams or snails. I have 5 clams in the display and he has plenty of opportunity to mess with them if he wanted. The only fish he had bothered since I had him was a yellow coris wrasse. But I could just have a "model citizen"......

ronnie · Jul 14, 2011

kingfisherfleshy said:
Attitude can be different from fish to fish.

My melanarus attacks almost everyone...but he takes a lot of heat as well.

I think they should be fine with a six line...if anything expect the six line to jump. I added mine to a tank with an established almost full size mystery wrasse...and they are the largest/meanest of the commonly available Pseudochellinus wrasses.

They (melanarus) do get fairly large, and can target inverts...I know people at four inches that are having them take out hermits, snails, and even nip at clam mantles to the point where the clam gets ripped up and they have gone after the foot of the clam. At full size they are not considered reef safe...so just as a fair warning, you can have issues.

Might explain why I lost a derasa and crocea that I'd had for 3 years and 1.5 years, respectively.

Triggerman77 · Jul 14, 2011

Theyare awesome fish!! I sold my 5+in and regret it every day BC i cant find another to my liking

kingfisherfleshy · Jul 15, 2011

ronnie said:
Might explain why I lost a derasa and crocea that I'd had for 3 years and 1.5 years, respectively.

Wouldnt be surprised. My brothers is always flippin his clams around.

scardall · Jan 8, 2016

Can
Hoeven's wrasse or Melanurus wrasse, Halichoeres melanurus live in reef without a sand bottom. I do have alot of rock work though.

eatbreakfast · Jan 9, 2016

It is possible, but I strongly discourage it. Sand gives them a sense of security, if it is not available it will make them uneasy, contributing to stress and increased cortisol levels, which in turn shortens lifespan, stunts growth, decreases immunity, and can be excreted and affect other tankmates.