Checkerboard Wrasse

Introduction

The Checkerboard Wrasse is a vibrant and dynamic saltwater fish known for its colorful scales and ever-changing appearance through its life stages. It’s a hardy and active swimmer, popular among marine aquarists for both its beauty and utility as a pest controller.

Scientific Name

Halichoeres hortulanus

Common Name

• Checkerboard Wrasse

• Checkerboard Tamarin

• Marble Wrasse

• Hortulanus Wrasse

Water Quality and Temperature

• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)

• pH: 8.1 – 8.4

• Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025

• dKH: 8 – 12

• Requires high water quality with regular water changes

Feeding

• Diet: Carnivorous

• Eats a variety of foods, including:

  • Brine shrimp

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Marine pellets and flakes

  • Small crustaceans and worms

• Feed 2–3 times per day

Tank Mates

• Peaceful to semi-aggressive community fish

• Compatible with:

  • Tangs

  • Angelfish

  • Larger clownfish

• Avoid housing with very small fish or shrimp

Substrates and Tank Decorations

• Sand substrate is essential as it buries itself when resting or stressed

• Rockwork and caves for hiding

• Open swimming areas

• Securely placed corals and decorations (they may dig)

Suitable Plants

• Marine macroalgae such as Caulerpa or Halimeda

• Decorative use only, as wrasses don’t rely on plant cover

Sexing

• Difficult to sex visually

• Sequential hermaphrodites – can change from female to male

Breeding

• Not bred in captivity

• Wild spawning behavior includes group spawning in the water column

Maximum Size and Longevity

• Size: Up to 18 cm (7 inches)

• Lifespan: 5–8 years or longer in well-maintained systems

General Information

Known for its bold checkered body pattern and blue-green head, this wrasse undergoes dramatic color changes from juvenile to adult. It’s often employed in reef tanks to control pests like flatworms and pyramid snails.

A Fun Fact

At night or when scared, the Checkerboard Wrasse quickly buries itself in the sand to sleep or hide from predators—making it a true “vanishing act” in the aquarium!