Melanarus Wrasse – Male

A true standout in any reef, the Melanurus Wrasse male displays spectacular coloration that rivals some of the most coveted wrasse species. Featuring vibrant red, orange, and yellow body tones with striking black markings and a distinctive dark tail, males are noticeably more colorful than females. Active, hardy, and engaging, this wrasse constantly explores the tank, picks at algae and small crustaceans, and brings non-stop entertainment and movement. It’s an excellent choice for keepers looking for a hardy, colorful fish with personality.

This is a WYSIWYG fish – What You See Is What You Get. The wrasse shown in the photos is the exact male specimen you will receive from MyTinyFins, carefully acclimated and ready to establish itself in your reef.

Care Guide

Tank Size: Melanurus Wrasses do best in 55-gallon tanks or larger. They’re active, strong swimmers (5–6 inches) that need plenty of room to patrol, forage, and establish territory throughout the water column and substrate. Temperament: Semi-aggressive with bold personalities. Males can be territorial toward other wrasses and may chase smaller, docile fish, especially during feeding or establishment periods. Generally solitary; avoid keeping with other wrasse species unless your tank is very large. Compatible with most medium to large, peaceful fish species. Monitor interactions closely. Feeding: Carnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Provide a varied diet including high-quality carnivore pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, and small pieces of fresh seafood 2–3 times daily. They’re active hunters that will also scavenge for small crustaceans, copepods, and amphipods in sand and rock work. A protein-rich diet keeps them vibrant and healthy. Lighting & Flow: Standard reef lighting is perfect—their colors really pop under strong LED or T5 systems. Prefer moderate to strong flow that keeps them active and brings food their way. They’re strong swimmers that enjoy currents and open water. Shelter & Rockwork: Provide abundant live rock with caves and crevices where they can explore, forage, and hide at night. Many wrasses will burrow into sand to sleep, so a deep sand bed (2–3+ inches) is beneficial. They spend time picking through rock work for small invertebrates. Water Parameters: Maintain stable salinity (1.025–1.026), pH (8.1–8.4), and temperature (72–78°F). They’re relatively hardy but prefer consistent, clean water conditions. Regular water changes help maintain health and water quality. Tank Mates: Generally compatible with medium to large, peaceful to semi-aggressive fish species. Avoid very small fish that might be chased or bullied. Use caution with docile fish that won’t stand up to territorial behavior. Safe with most corals, though they may pick at small crustaceans and invertebrates like shrimp. Coral Compatibility: Melanurus Wrasses are generally reef-safe with corals, though they may occasionally nip at small polps or pick at soft coral polyps. Monitor behavior and adjust placement if needed. Behavior: Expect a bold, active fish that constantly explores the tank, picks at algae and small organisms in the substrate and rock work, and establishes a clear territory. They’re engaging and personality-filled, with interesting daytime activity and often interesting burrowing behavior at night. Males display slightly more aggressive territorial behavior than females. Acclimation: Allow 30 minutes f drip acclimation for a smooth transition. They’re hardy fish but benefit from a gradual introduction to new water parameters.