This doesn't appear to be a melanaris wrasse

[gregrock68]

So, I purchased a melanaris wrasse to help out with my red planaria problem about 2 and 1/2 weeks ago. It was shipped across the country and after acclamation and put it in the tank and thought it's colors looked a bit strange, but figured it was stressed and had been in the dark for quite some time and it was probably not the typical color range. Fast forward to tonight and lo and behold guess who popped up swimming around the tank. I got them to eat some and he seems like he's settling in but his coloration still doesn't look correct for the type of species. Does anybody recognize what kind of wrasse this is ?

 

[Sdbuehler1]

Yeah definitely not melanurus wrasse. With the single eye on the top fin it looks like some type of coris wrasse.

 

[Slocke]

Its Halichoeres hortulanus, a Halichoeres like melanurus but it gets much bigger. Best known as the checkerboard wrasse it is pretty common. They are definitely one of the more aggressive Halichoeres species and probably not reef safe.

 

[SOGavity]

Marble Wrasse

 

[Slocke]

Its Halichoeres hortulanus, a Halichoeres like melanurus but it gets much bigger. Best known as the checkerboard wrasse it is pretty common. They are definitely one of the more aggressive Halichoeres species and probably not reef safe.

I'd also say it does not look in good shape, its underweight and missing scales.

 

[Reefering1]

I'd also say it does not look in good shape, its underweight and missing scales.

Agree. That fish is in pretty rough shape.

 

[gregrock68]

I'd also say it does not look in good shape, its underweight and missing scales.

Agree. That fish is in pretty rough shape.

Thx everyone. Everyone is spot on for the identication. Yes, she's been hiding in the sand for 17 days so she's malnourished and tattered. Hopefully now that she's out I can nurse her back to health