Lineblotch wrasse

Halichoeres pardaleocephalus

Also known as line blotch wrasse, leopard head wrasse, halichoeres wrasse

Tankmates, for sale near you Identify a fish from a photo

This is a slim, active wrasse with lines and blotches along the body and a finely marked head. It turns up only now and then in the trade, mostly from Indonesia. Keepers like it as a lively, colourful fish that also hunts small pests in reef tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi
Adult size: 10 cm
Temperature: 24 to 28 °C
pH: 8.1 to 8.4
Smallest tank: 200 litres
Keep as: One per tank, or a single male with females in a large system
Diet: Carnivore: mysis, chopped seafood, small crustaceans and quality marine pellets, fed several times a day
Swims: Middle of the tank
Lifespan: 4 to 7 years
Water: Marine (saltwater)
Wild range: Indo-West Pacific, mainly Indonesia and nearby seas

Breeding

Like other Halichoeres it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, so females can turn into males, and pairs spawn in the open water. It has not been bred in home aquariums with any success.

Good to know

It needs a deep layer of fine sand because it buries itself at night and when frightened, and the tank should have a tight lid as it may jump. It can eat small ornamental shrimps and snails.