BeginnerPeacefulReef Safe

Adorned Wrasse

Halichoeres cosmetus

Family: Labridae · Wrasses

Also known as: Cosmetus Wrasse, Decorated Wrasse

Max Size

Min Tank

55 gal

Lifespan

5-8 years

Origin

Western Pacific, Indonesia

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Bottom

About

The Adorned Wrasse is a small, strikingly colored species featuring vivid orange and blue horizontal stripes along its elongated body. This active swimmer brings both beauty and function to the reef aquarium, as it tirelessly hunts small pest invertebrates including flatworms, pyramidellid snails, and bristleworms throughout the day.

Like many Halichoeres wrasses, the Adorned Wrasse is a sand sleeper that buries itself in the substrate at night to rest. A sand bed of at least two inches is essential for this natural behavior, and a tight-fitting lid is necessary because this species is a known jumper when startled. Despite its active hunting behavior, the Adorned Wrasse is completely reef safe and will not harm corals, clams, or larger ornamental invertebrates.

This species is hardy and beginner-friendly, readily accepting a variety of prepared and frozen foods in captivity. It is peaceful toward most tankmates and integrates well into community reef setups, making it an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a functional and attractive wrasse.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

The Adorned Wrasse feeds on small benthic invertebrates, worms, and crustaceans in the wild. In captivity, it readily accepts frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and high-quality marine pellets. It actively hunts aquarium pests including flatworms and bristleworms. Feed two to three times daily for optimal health.

Compatibility

reef-safepeacefulpest-controllercommunity-safebeginner-friendly

The Adorned Wrasse is peaceful and compatible with most reef community fish. It may occasionally chase very small, newly added fish but generally coexists well with all tankmates. It will consume small pest invertebrates but does not harm corals, clams, or ornamental shrimp. May spar with other Halichoeres wrasses if space is limited.

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Breeding

Not bred in captivity

Adorned Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, with dominant females capable of transitioning to males. Spawning occurs in the water column with pelagic eggs. Captive breeding has not been achieved for this species. All specimens in the trade are wild-caught.