All fish / Labridae

Social Wrasse

Halichoeres socialis

Also known as social wrasse, belize wrasse, social coral wrasse

This is a tiny Caribbean wrasse that only reaches about 5 cm. Its body shows soft green and yellow tones, with a darker stripe and pale underside. It was described in 2004. Unlike most wrasses it hovers in loose groups above the reef and picks plankton out of the water. Its small size, calm nature and reef safety make it appealing to keepers.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

24 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

110 litres

Keep as

Small group of one male with several females

Diet

Carnivore: zooplankton, mysis, copepods, finely chopped meaty frozen foods

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Belize (Western Caribbean)

Breeding

It is a protogynous hermaphrodite that spawns in the open water, like other wrasses. Captive breeding has rarely been reported because rearing the tiny pelagic larvae is very difficult.

Good to know

The wild range is very small, limited to mangrove and lagoon reefs off Belize, and the IUCN lists it as Critically Endangered, so wild-caught fish should be avoided. Give it a sand bed for burying at night and a tight-fitting lid to stop it jumping.