Tankmates: Fairy, flasher, leopard and most Halichoeres are reef safe. Larger wrasse (Coris, Thalassoma, Gomphosus, Cheilinus, tuskfish) eat shrimp, crabs, snails, tube worms and sometimes small fish; most still leave corals alone. Assess per species.
Feeding: Most are active micro-predators of small invertebrates; frequent small feeds suit high metabolism. Leopard wrasse benefit from a pod-rich mature tank.
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Wrasses are one of the biggest and most varied families of marine fish. Some, like the Fairy and Flasher wrasses, are small, peaceful and brightly coloured, which makes them perfect for a reef. Others grow large and will hunt shrimp, crabs and snails. FishyHub lists wrasses from marine shops and saltwater sellers across Malaysia, with prices in RM, so you can compare species, sizes and colour forms in one place.
Because the family is so varied, "wrasse" on its own tells you very little. Always check the exact species before you buy. It decides the tank size, the diet, how it sleeps and whether your invertebrates are safe.
Colourful, active, mid-water swimmers and generally peaceful. Fairy wrasses are a favourite in reef tanks, and several females can sometimes be kept with one male in a large tank.
Smaller and slimmer, with males that "flash" extended fins and intense colour when displaying. They are reef safe and do well in groups in a roomy tank.
Busy foragers that pick through rockwork for small pests and worms. Six lines are hardy but can bully newer or shyer fish. Melanurus wrasses grow larger and may take small crustaceans.
Beautiful spotted fish that sleep under the sand. They are more specialised and do best in a mature tank with plenty of live rock and natural microfauna.
Famous for cleaning parasites off other fish in the wild. Many struggle long term in aquariums because they can't get enough food from cleaning. Many experienced reefers avoid them.
Coris, Bird and other big wrasses are better suited to fish-only systems, as they may eat shrimp, crabs and snails.
| Wrasse | Minimum tank | Reef safe? | Beginner? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Six Line | 3 kaki (90 cm, about 155–180 L) | Yes with corals; may bother tiny shrimp | Yes, but watch for bullying |
| Fairy / Flasher | 3–4 kaki (90–120 cm, about 155–270 L) | Yes | Yes, in a stable reef |
| Melanurus | 4 kaki (120 cm, about 230–270 L) | Corals yes; risk to small inverts | Intermediate |
| Leopard | 4 kaki, mature tank with sand bed | Yes | No |
| Coris / Bird / large species | 5–6 kaki (6 kaki is about 550–650 L) | Often not | No |
Aim for about 24–27°C. Most wrasses are carnivores, so feed them a mix of frozen mysis, quality marine pellets and small meaty foods, two or more times a day for the active species.
Wrasse prices in RM depend on species, rarity, sex and colour. A fully coloured male usually costs more than a female or juvenile. When comparing listings, check the exact species name, size and sex, and whether the photo shows the actual fish. Ask the seller if it is eating frozen or pellet food. Newly arrived wrasses often hide in the sand or rock for a few days, which is normal. Check the seller's location, delivery or self-collect options, and the live-arrival policy on each listing, especially for orders to Sabah or Sarawak.
Sesetengah spesies wrasse menyorok dan tidur di bawah pasir, terutama pada waktu malam atau selepas baru dimasukkan ke akuarium. Ini perkara biasa. Ia biasanya keluar semula dalam beberapa hari.
Kebanyakan Fairy Wrasse dan Flasher Wrasse selamat untuk karang. Wrasse besar pula mungkin makan udang, ketam dan siput, jadi semak spesies dahulu.
Yes, very often. Fit a secure mesh cover with no gaps around pipes and equipment.
Often yes, if you choose species that differ in shape and colour and have enough space. Avoid two males of the same species, and add peaceful wrasses before boisterous ones like six lines.
Some, such as six line and certain leopard wrasses, may eat flatworms or small pest snails, but results vary by fish. Don't rely on one as your only pest control.
Compare Fairy, Flasher, Six Line and other wrasses from Malaysian sellers, with prices in RM. For reef-safe tankmates, see Tangs and Surgeonfish and Marine Shrimp, and check which species are compatible before you buy.
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