Vrolik’s Wrasse

Vrolik’s Wrasse (Halichoeres chrysotaenia) is an active sand-and-rock forager that can provide pest control by hunting fireworms and pyramidellid snails. Adult males show fine red pinstripes over blue-green tones, plus a spotted caudal fin, and are associated with Indo-West Pacific shoreline habitats.

What You’ll Observe:

• Patrols rockwork and open sand, pausing to pick at tiny prey
• Buries into the sand to sleep, then resumes a predictable daytime routine
• Becomes most visible at feeding time and cruises the tank in laps

Provide mature live rock with open swimming lanes and a fine sand bed (about 2–3 inches) for burrowing. Offer a mix of meaty frozen foods and quality pellets in several small portions through the day, and keep a tight-fitting lid.

How can I tell a Vrolik’s Wrasse from a Melanurus Wrasse?
Look for a spotted tail fin pattern rather than continuous tail striping.

Can it be kept with other Halichoeres wrasses?
In larger systems, multiple Halichoeres can work best when introduced with spacing and a structured introduction.

Will it bother a mandarin dragonet?
It typically focuses on small benthic snacks in the rockwork and usually leaves adult fish alone.

Do I need sand in a quarantine tank?
A shallow container of fine sand helps it follow its normal burying routine.

Why is it sometimes labeled Halichoeres vrolikii?
That name is commonly listed as a synonym for this species in reference databases.

Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.