Wrasse ID please. Reef safe?

SamMule

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Feb 18, 2020
Messages
1,367
Reaction score
1,272
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
So, this wrasse was sold to me as a "Christmas wrasse" and I was told that it is reef safe. However, my googling now tells me there are 2 wrasses sold as Christmas wrasses and one is not reef safe?
Halichoeres claudia is the one that is supposedly reef safe. Seems to bear the closest resemblance.
16099691921973105598274007550669.jpg
KIMG0234_28_BURST1000234.JPG


Halichoeres ornatissimus is the other one, I think. Please tell me it's the first one!
 

SaltyT

Wrasse obsessed!
View Badges
Joined
Apr 26, 2015
Messages
4,021
Reaction score
23,610
Location
St. Louis
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Looks like a male H. Biocellatus (yet another wrasse called a "christmas" wrasse). It's reef safe and beautiful! Nice find!
 
OP
OP
SamMule

SamMule

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Feb 18, 2020
Messages
1,367
Reaction score
1,272
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Looks like a male H. Biocellatus (yet another wrasse called a "christmas" wrasse). It's reef safe and beautiful! Nice find!
I think you're right! The LA image is an exact match.
Glad that's it. A 7" wrasse might be a little large for my 65g tank!
 

nereefpat

7500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Apr 20, 2018
Messages
8,008
Reaction score
8,762
Location
Central Nebraska
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Looks like a male H. Biocellatus (yet another wrasse called a "christmas" wrasse). It's reef safe and beautiful! Nice find!
That's what I would guess. Totally coral safe. Might eat a small invert or two. Needs sand.
 
Back
Top