Nebulous Wrasse

Pre-Quarantined for 30 Days!

Halichoeres nebulosus

The Nebulous Wrasse displays varying colors with cryptic patterning and sometimes bold mottling that help it blend in with surrounding rock, structures, and weedy algae. While the colors and patterns may break, the ocelli, or “eye spot” is constantly displayed in the middle of the dorsal fin. Mature males have pink markings below the eye while females display a patch of pink coloring on the belly.

The Nebulous Wrasse is a burrowing wrasse well adapted to feeding on benthic invertebrates. As such, the ideal aquascape should include an open area where the Nebulous Wrasse has easy access to fine, sandy substrate. A depth of at least 2-3 inches provides the Nebulous Wrasse the appropriate refuge if frightened. A tight-fitting lid is also recommended. An established aquarium 90 gallons or larger stocked with other passive tank mates makes an ideal environment for the Nebulous Wrasse.

The Nebulous Wrasse will eat fireworms and pyramidellid snails, protecting corals and clams which it will not bother. However, larger specimens may prey on smaller ornamental shrimp and crabs. In addition, it may eat feather dusters, small shrimp, tubeworms, and flatworms. It may also eat parasites off of tank mates when young. The Nebulous Wrasse diet should include vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high-quality marine flake and marine pellet food.