Halstead’s Wrasse
Xyrichthys halsteadi
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 70 gallons |
| Max Size | 6 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
Halstead’s Wrasse (Xyrichthys halsteadi) is a razor wrasse with a thin, blade-like profile designed for cruising sandy zones and disappearing into the substrate. Color can shift with maturity—males often show a purple-green sheen with a small shoulder spot, while lighter individuals may show simpler striping.
What You’ll Observe:
- Quick, low passes over open sand, with frequent stops to inspect small patches of substrate
- Fast “dive and vanish” moves into the sand when lights change or when it’s startled
- A daily routine of active roaming, then burying to rest
- Increasing confidence in the open as it learns your feeding schedule
How to succeed with this sand-wrasse style fish: provide a fine sand bed (or a dedicated sand trough) and leave open substrate areas it can patrol. Offer a variety of meaty frozen foods in small portions and keep feedings consistent. Plan tankmates so this wrasse has room to move and isn’t expected to share space with small ornamental crustaceans.
Why did my wrasse disappear right after I added it?
Many sand-associated wrasses settle in by burying for a while, then reappearing once they’re comfortable. Give it time and let it choose when to come out.
Will Halstead’s Wrasse change color over time?
Yes—keepers commonly report noticeable shifts as it matures, including changes in base color and the development of a more defined shoulder spot.
Is it normal for it to bury at “weird” times of day?
It can happen, especially after shipping or when a fish is still syncing to your light cycle. Once settled, many become more predictable day to day.
Do I really need a lid or mesh top?
A tight cover is a common setup choice for active wrasses, since quick bursts and startled jumps can happen during acclimation and tank changes.
Can I keep it with other wrasses?
It often goes best when introductions are deliberate (for example, giving newcomers a short “settling” period where existing fish can’t crowd them right away). This helps everyone establish spacing without constant close passes.
Our selection process means you get robust, well-adjusted specimens that settle in quickly.
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