Neon Line Wrasse

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Neon Line Wrasse

Scientific Name: Halichoeres garnoti

Origin: Caribbean / Western Atlantic

Maximum Size: Around 19 cm

Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-aggressive

Reef Safe: With caution

Care Level: Easy to Moderate

Description

The Neon Line Wrasse is a colourful and extremely active Caribbean wrasse that changes dramatically in appearance as it matures. Juveniles are bright yellow with a vivid turquoise-blue line running along the body, while mature males develop a yellow to golden head, dark upper body and contrasting blue lower half.

Also known as the Yellowhead Wrasse, Halichoeres garnoti is naturally found around reefs and exposed rocky areas throughout the Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and Florida through the Caribbean and south towards Brazil.

Like most Halichoeres wrasses, they are constantly on the move during daylight hours, investigating rockwork and substrate in search of small invertebrates.

Feeding

Neon Line Wrasses are carnivorous and naturally feed on a variety of small benthic invertebrates. In the aquarium they normally adapt readily to frozen and prepared foods.

Offer a varied diet including mysis, enriched brine shrimp, chopped seafood and quality marine pellets. Mature rockwork also gives them plenty of opportunity to forage naturally throughout the day.

Compatibility

Neon Line Wrasses are generally peaceful towards unrelated fish and work well in a mixed marine aquarium, although mature individuals can become more territorial.

They do not normally damage coral tissue, but small ornamental invertebrates may be viewed as food. Shrimp, small crabs, fan worms and other mobile invertebrates can therefore be at risk, particularly with larger individuals.

A sand bed is important. Like other Halichoeres wrasses, they bury themselves in the substrate to sleep and will also dive into the sand when frightened.

Why We Like It

The Neon Line Wrasse effectively gives you several different-looking fish as it grows. The bright yellow and electric-blue juvenile gradually transforms into a completely different adult colour pattern, making it particularly interesting to keep from a smaller size.

They are also constantly active, spending their day weaving through the rockwork and searching the aquarium for food, so there is always something going on when one is in the tank.

Care Notes

• Provide a suitable bed of fine sand for sleeping and hiding.
• Feed a varied diet of frozen and prepared meaty marine foods.
• Does not normally harm corals but may hunt small ornamental invertebrates.
• Colouration changes considerably as the fish matures.
• Provide plenty of rockwork alongside open swimming space.
• A secure lid is essential as wrasses are excellent jumpers.

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