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Bold, beautifully patterned, and always on the move, the Checkerboard Wrasse (Halichoeres hortulanus) is a visually striking and highly active reef fish known for its shifting colouration and eye-catching checkerboard-like markings. As it matures, this wrasse transforms from a colourful juvenile into a spectacular adult with intricate body patterns and electric facial markings. A true standout in large marine displays, this species also earns its keep by controlling nuisance invertebrates.
Species: Halichoeres hortulanus
Common Names: Checkerboard Wrasse, Marble Wrasse, Hortulanus Wrasse
Origin: Indo-Pacific – widespread from the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef
Light Requirements: Moderate to high
Diet: Carnivorous – feeds on small crustaceans, molluscs, bristle worms, and a varied diet of frozen mysis, krill, chopped seafood, and marine pellets
Maximum Size: Up to 25 cm
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Care Level: Intermediate to advanced
Aquarium Setup:
Best suited for marine aquariums of 400 litres or more, the Checkerboard Wrasse thrives in tanks with a fine sand bed for burrowing and plenty of live rock for grazing and shelter. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely necessary, as this species is an expert jumper. Due to its large adult size and active swimming habits, plenty of open space is needed alongside hiding areas.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.025
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Calcium: 400–450 ppm
Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm
Growth and Maintenance:
The Checkerboard Wrasse is a fast-growing species that undergoes dramatic colour changes with age. Juveniles often display a white body with black checkerboard markings and a yellow head, while adults develop more elaborate patterns and vibrant facial markings. They are hardy but need pristine water quality and a protein-rich diet to thrive.
Care Tips:
✔ Provide fine sand for burrowing at night and when stressed
✔ Feed small, meaty meals 2–3 times daily
✔ Ensure a secure lid – wrasses are known jumpers
✔ Not suitable for nano or reef tanks with ornamental inverts
✔ Keep singly or with other wrasses only in very large tanks
Compatibility:
Best housed with semi-aggressive or robust species such as tangs, larger angelfish, groupers, and other wrasses. Not suitable for tanks with small shrimp, snails, or delicate sessile invertebrates. May bully timid fish if housed in cramped conditions.
Availability:
Occasionally available in the Australian marine trade. Ask us about current size availability, juvenile vs. adult colouration, and tankmate compatibility for your marine setup.
Disclaimer:
"The Checkerboard Wrasse is not reef-safe with ornamental invertebrates. Ensure secure lids and sand substrate for healthy long-term care."