A great Melanurus Pinstriped Male Tail-spot Wrasse!
Origin: Central Pacific

Size info:
Size M: approx. 2.25 - 3.5"

There once was a Melanurus Wrasse
Whose striped tail could never be outclassed
With its vibrant pink hue
And a sneaky fishy coup
It's a reef dweller you'll always amass!

Keeping Melanurus Wrasse in an Aquarium

The Melanurus Wrasse, also known as the Pinstriped Male Tail-spot Wrasse, is a beautiful and active fish that can add a lot of color and personality to a saltwater aquarium. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're considering keeping this species:

Size and Lifespan

Adult Melanurus Wrasse can grow up to 6 inches in length, so they need a tank that's at least 75 gallons or larger. They can live up to 5 years in captivity if given proper care.

Water Parameters

These fish are native to the Indo-Pacific region and prefer warm, tropical waters with a temperature range of 75-82°F. They also need a pH range of 8.1-8.4 and a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.

Diet

Melanurus Wrasse are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet consisting of meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and small pieces of fish or shrimp. They also enjoy picking at live rock and sand for tiny organisms.

Behavior

These fish are active swimmers and need plenty of open space to swim around. They can be kept with other peaceful fish, but may become aggressive towards other wrasse species or fish with a similar body shape. They are generally not reef safe and may eat small crustaceans like shrimp and crabs.

Coolest Stuff

• The Melanurus Wrasse is known for its stunning coloration, with a bright red body and blue stripes on its face and fins.
• They are also called the "Tail-spot Wrasse" because of the distinctive black spot on their caudal fin.
• These fish are active hunters and will often dig through the sand looking for food.
• They have been known to jump out of tanks, so a tight-fitting lid is recommended.