• Name:

    Pearly Wrasse

  • Family: Labridae
  • Species: Wrasse
  • Scientific Name: Halichoeres margaritaceus
More Details

General info about Pearly Wrasse

The Pearly Wrasse features an attractive sage green body coloration beautifully decorated with irregular scribbles of pink. This coloration allows the Pearly Wrasse to blend into weedy or algae-covered reef surfaces where it is commonly found especially in areas of strong surge. The Pearly Wrasse is one of the several species where the juvenile and female stages are nearly identical. The Pearly Wrasse is a burrowing wrasse well adapted to feeding on benthic invertebrates. As such, the ideal aquascape should include an open area where the Pearly Wrasse has easy access to fine, sandy substrate. A depth of at least 2-3 inches provides the Pearly Wrasse the appropriate refuge if frightened. A tight-fitting lid is also recommended. An established aquarium with other passive tank mates makes an ideal environment for the Pearly Wrasse.

Caution with Pearly Wrasse

Wrasse are considered jumpers make sure your aquarium has a tight-fitting canopy or screen cover to prevent the Wrasse from jumping out of your aquarium. Wrasse have been known to jump through the smallest of holes in a canopy. 

Wrasses prefer to have a 2" (5cm) sandbed to allow them to burrow into the sand to sleep or when they feel like they are in danger. Some people with bare bottom tanks have also added a Tupperware with a 2" deep sand bed to accommodate the wrasse's needs. 

They are generally peaceful but may display aggression towards members of the same species.

Relevent Articles

Original Detail

Name Species Family Scientific Name More Detail Added by
Pearly Wrasse Wrasse Labridae Halichoeres margaritaceus The Pearly Wrasse features an attractive sage green body coloration beautifully decorated with irregular scribbles of pink. This coloration allows the Pearly Wrasse to blend into weedy or algae-covered reef surfaces where it is commonly found especially in areas of strong surge. The Pearly Wrasse is one of the several species where the juvenile and female stages are nearly identical. The Pearly Wrasse is a burrowing wrasse well adapted to feeding on benthic invertebrates. As such, the ideal aquascape should include an open area where the Pearly Wrasse has easy access to fine, sandy substrate. A depth of at least 2-3 inches provides the Pearly Wrasse the appropriate refuge if frightened. A tight-fitting lid is also recommended. An established aquarium with other passive tank mates makes an ideal environment for the Pearly Wrasse. PalaciosAn

Changed by users

Submitted Date Submitted By Status Action