Adorned Wrasse - Halichoeres cosmetus
Adorned Wrasse (Halichoeres cosmetus)
The Adorned Wrasse is a beautifully marked marine wrasse known for its iridescent blue-green body, fine orange striping and distinctive dark eye-spots along the dorsal area. In the wild it is found on shallow coral and rocky reefs, where males are often seen alone while juveniles and females may occur in small loose groups. It is an active, characterful species that settles well in established aquaria, but because it buries in sand, jumps when startled and may prey on certain ornamental invertebrates, it is best suited to aquarists with some marine experience.
Common Name:
Adorned Wrasse.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Halichoeres cosmetus
Maximum Size:
Up to 13 cm (in captivity).
Water Type:
Marine.
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Indian Ocean, reported south to Natal, South Africa and from the Socotra Archipelago. It is commonly found on shallow coral and rocky reefs, including mixed coral and rubble areas of lagoons and outer reef slopes, typically around 2–30 metres depth.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
Temperament:
Peaceful overall, though like many Halichoeres wrasses it can become a little territorial with similar wrasses, especially if added separately.
Diet:
Carnivorous. Offer a varied diet of vitamin-enriched mysis, brine shrimp and other meaty marine foods, alongside quality pellets or flakes once established. Frequent smaller feeds are beneficial.
Minimum Tank Size:
190 litres minimum.
Behaviour & Activity:
An active wrasse that spends much of the day foraging through rockwork and open substrate. This species will bury itself in sand at night or when frightened, so a suitable sand bed is important. In the wild it is found solitary or in small loose groups, with distinct pairing during breeding.
Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
It is generally considered suitable for reef aquaria and does not usually damage soft or stony corals, but it may pick at ornamental shrimps, fan worms, crustaceans and other desirable small invertebrates. Monitor carefully if kept with decorative invertebrates.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a well-established aquarium with plenty of rockwork, open swimming space and a fine sand bed around 2–3 inches deep for burrowing. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species can jump if startled.
Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers.
Availability:
Regular in trade.
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Product Information
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Shipping & Returns
Adorned Wrasse - Halichoeres cosmetus
Adorned Wrasse - Halichoeres cosmetus
Adorned Wrasse (Halichoeres cosmetus)
The Adorned Wrasse is a beautifully marked marine wrasse known for its iridescent blue-green body, fine orange striping and distinctive dark eye-spots along the dorsal area. In the wild it is found on shallow coral and rocky reefs, where males are often seen alone while juveniles and females may occur in small loose groups. It is an active, characterful species that settles well in established aquaria, but because it buries in sand, jumps when startled and may prey on certain ornamental invertebrates, it is best suited to aquarists with some marine experience.
Common Name:
Adorned Wrasse.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Halichoeres cosmetus
Maximum Size:
Up to 13 cm (in captivity).
Water Type:
Marine.
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Indian Ocean, reported south to Natal, South Africa and from the Socotra Archipelago. It is commonly found on shallow coral and rocky reefs, including mixed coral and rubble areas of lagoons and outer reef slopes, typically around 2–30 metres depth.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
Temperament:
Peaceful overall, though like many Halichoeres wrasses it can become a little territorial with similar wrasses, especially if added separately.
Diet:
Carnivorous. Offer a varied diet of vitamin-enriched mysis, brine shrimp and other meaty marine foods, alongside quality pellets or flakes once established. Frequent smaller feeds are beneficial.
Minimum Tank Size:
190 litres minimum.
Behaviour & Activity:
An active wrasse that spends much of the day foraging through rockwork and open substrate. This species will bury itself in sand at night or when frightened, so a suitable sand bed is important. In the wild it is found solitary or in small loose groups, with distinct pairing during breeding.
Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
It is generally considered suitable for reef aquaria and does not usually damage soft or stony corals, but it may pick at ornamental shrimps, fan worms, crustaceans and other desirable small invertebrates. Monitor carefully if kept with decorative invertebrates.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a well-established aquarium with plenty of rockwork, open swimming space and a fine sand bed around 2–3 inches deep for burrowing. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species can jump if startled.
Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers.
Availability:
Regular in trade.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Adorned Wrasse (Halichoeres cosmetus)
The Adorned Wrasse is a beautifully marked marine wrasse known for its iridescent blue-green body, fine orange striping and distinctive dark eye-spots along the dorsal area. In the wild it is found on shallow coral and rocky reefs, where males are often seen alone while juveniles and females may occur in small loose groups. It is an active, characterful species that settles well in established aquaria, but because it buries in sand, jumps when startled and may prey on certain ornamental invertebrates, it is best suited to aquarists with some marine experience.
Common Name:
Adorned Wrasse.
Scientific Name (Latin):
Halichoeres cosmetus
Maximum Size:
Up to 13 cm (in captivity).
Water Type:
Marine.
Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Indian Ocean, reported south to Natal, South Africa and from the Socotra Archipelago. It is commonly found on shallow coral and rocky reefs, including mixed coral and rubble areas of lagoons and outer reef slopes, typically around 2–30 metres depth.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 22–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
Temperament:
Peaceful overall, though like many Halichoeres wrasses it can become a little territorial with similar wrasses, especially if added separately.
Diet:
Carnivorous. Offer a varied diet of vitamin-enriched mysis, brine shrimp and other meaty marine foods, alongside quality pellets or flakes once established. Frequent smaller feeds are beneficial.
Minimum Tank Size:
190 litres minimum.
Behaviour & Activity:
An active wrasse that spends much of the day foraging through rockwork and open substrate. This species will bury itself in sand at night or when frightened, so a suitable sand bed is important. In the wild it is found solitary or in small loose groups, with distinct pairing during breeding.
Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
It is generally considered suitable for reef aquaria and does not usually damage soft or stony corals, but it may pick at ornamental shrimps, fan worms, crustaceans and other desirable small invertebrates. Monitor carefully if kept with decorative invertebrates.
Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a well-established aquarium with plenty of rockwork, open swimming space and a fine sand bed around 2–3 inches deep for burrowing. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species can jump if startled.
Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers.
Availability:
Regular in trade.
