BeginnerPeacefulReef Safe

Pastel Green Wrasse

Halichoeres chloropterus

Family: Labridae · Wrasses

Also known as: Green Wrasse, Pastel Wrasse, Green Coris

Max Size

7.5"

Min Tank

75 gal

Lifespan

5-8 years

Origin

Indo-Pacific, Indonesia

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Bottom

About

The Pastel Green Wrasse is a strikingly beautiful Halichoeres species that lives up to its name with a soft, pastel green coloration covering its entire body. This uniform green hue is unlike most other wrasses and gives the species a uniquely elegant appearance. Males may develop slightly more intense green coloration with subtle markings, while females display a more uniformly pale green.

This species is one of the most popular pest control wrasses for reef aquariums, combining a peaceful temperament, complete reef safety, and tireless hunting of nuisance invertebrates. The Pastel Green Wrasse actively patrols the aquarium searching for flatworms, pyramidellid snails, bristleworms, and other pests, consuming them throughout the day while leaving corals, clams, and larger ornamental invertebrates completely unharmed.

The Pastel Green Wrasse is hardy and beginner-friendly, readily accepting a wide variety of prepared and frozen foods from the start. Like other Halichoeres wrasses, it is a sand sleeper that buries itself in the substrate at night, so a fine sand bed of at least two inches is essential. A tight-fitting lid is also necessary to prevent jumping. Its attractive coloration, useful pest control function, and easy care requirements make it one of the most recommended wrasses for reef aquariums.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

The Pastel Green 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 is an outstanding pest controller that actively hunts flatworms, pyramidellid snails, and bristleworms. Feed two to three times daily.

Compatibility

reef-safepeacefulpest-controllercommunity-safebeginner-friendly

The Pastel Green Wrasse is peaceful and compatible with most reef community fish. It is completely safe with corals, clams, and larger ornamental invertebrates. May occasionally spar with other Halichoeres wrasses if space is limited. It will consume pest invertebrates but poses no threat to desired aquarium inhabitants. An excellent community reef fish.

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Breeding

Not bred in captivity

Pastel Green Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites. The dominant female in a group transitions to male. Spawning occurs in the water column with pelagic eggs. Captive breeding has not been achieved. All specimens are wild-caught.