Christmas Wrasse Care Guide
Halichoeres claudia is a widespread western Pacific reef wrasse long confused with H. ornatissimus; it feeds on small invertebrates and buries in sand.
Overview
Halichoeres claudia, the Christmas wrasse, is a marine wrasse of the family Labridae described by Randall and L. A. Rocha in 2009. It was for a long time confused with Halichoeres ornatissimus; genetic study showed that H. ornatissimus is restricted to Hawaii while H. claudia is widespread in the western Pacific.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Halichoeres
- Scientific name: Halichoeres claudia
- Described by Randall and L. A. Rocha, 2009
Habitat
The species is widely distributed in the southwestern and central Pacific, from French Polynesia and the Line Islands to the Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Indonesia, with isolated populations at Christmas Island and the Cocos-Keeling Islands in the Indian Ocean. It is found solitary on outer reef slopes; FishBase gives a depth range of about 1 to 35 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- dKH: 8-12
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Maximum size: males to about 8.8 cm standard length (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
A sandy substrate for burrowing is recommended, in keeping with the genus.
Diet
The Christmas wrasse is a carnivore with a trophic level around 3.4, feeding on small reef invertebrates. Aquarium specimens accept meaty frozen and prepared marine foods in several small daily feedings.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, bottom-oriented wrasse for reef communities with tangs, clownfish, cardinalfish and anthias. Aggressive damsels and predators should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
The species does not harm corals but may eat small ornamental invertebrates and worms, as is typical for the genus.
Breeding
Males construct dish-shaped nests and guard the eggs. Sex change may begin from around 5.4 cm standard length.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.