Christmas Wrasse (Red-Lined)

Christmas Wrasse (Red-Lined) (Halichoeres biocellatus) 

Bold, beautiful, and full of personality, the elegantly striped, Red-Lined Wrasse is an ideal choice for any display reef aquarium. Also known as the False-eyed or Biocellate Wrasse, juvenile are easily recognizable by the pair of ocelli, or “false eyes,” on their dorsal fin, which fade as the fish matures. To thrive, the Red-Lined Wrasse requires a well-established saltwater aquarium of at least 50 gallons with a secure lid. Create an aquascape with plenty of live rock and maintain a large open substrate area to mimic its natural habitat. In the wild, these fish inhabit reef crests and slopes, so ensure there are open spaces for swimming. A sandy substrate of 2-3 inches in depth offers a refuge for the wrasse, allowing it to burrow when it feels threatened or during the night. It’s best to house the Red-Lined Wrasse with other peaceful wrasses, including members of its own species. In nature, the Red-Lined Wrasse feeds on benthic invertebrates, making it a beneficial addition to your aquarium by helping control pests like fire worms and pyramidellid snails. While it may also eat parasites from tank mates, be cautious—this wrasse doesn’t distinguish between “undesirable” and “desirable” invertebrates. If given the chance, it might munch on ornamental invertebrates like fan worms, shrimp, and other crustaceans, but it generally avoids harming sessile invertebrates, including soft and stony corals.