Jade Wrasse - Halichoeres chloropterus

Jade Wrasse (Halichoeres chloropterus)

The Jade Wrasse, Halichoeres chloropterus, is an active and attractive marine wrasse with soft green to pastel-green colouration, subtle facial markings and the constant foraging behaviour typical of the Halichoeres group. Also known as the Pastel-green Wrasse or Green Wrasse, this Indo-Pacific species is best suited to mature reef or fish-only marine aquariums with soft sand, live rock and plenty of swimming space. It is generally useful for hunting small benthic invertebrates, but should be treated as reef safe with caution because it may eat small ornamental crustaceans, worms and other tiny invertebrates.

Common Name:
Jade Wrasse, Pastel-green Wrasse, Green Wrasse, Green Halichoeres Wrasse.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Halichoeres chloropterus

Maximum Size:
Up to around 19 cm.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Indo-West Pacific reef regions, including sheltered coral reef areas. Naturally found on shallow protected coral reefs and nearby silty sand and rubble bottoms, where it forages over the substrate and reef structure for small prey.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Generally peaceful to semi-assertive. It is usually suitable with robust peaceful marine fish, but may become boisterous as it matures and may show aggression towards similar wrasses. Avoid keeping with very timid fish, tiny gobies or delicate species that may be stressed by its activity.

Diet:
Carnivorous micro-predator. In the wild, it feeds mainly on hard-shelled prey such as molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins, along with other small benthic invertebrates. In the aquarium, offer frozen mysis, enriched brineshrimp, chopped clam, mussel, krill, finely chopped prawn, quality marine pellets and other meaty marine foods. It may help control some small nuisance invertebrates, but should not be relied upon as a guaranteed pest-control fish.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 350 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred for long-term care or mixed wrasse communities. This is an active, medium-sized wrasse that needs open swimming space, established rockwork and a suitable sand bed.

Behaviour & Activity:
An energetic daytime forager that spends much of its time cruising over rockwork, rubble and sand while picking at small prey. Like many Halichoeres wrasses, it uses sand for sleeping and refuge, diving into the substrate when startled or at night. Provide a soft sand bed, stable rockwork, caves and shaded retreats. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is essential, as wrasses may jump when frightened.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
Generally safe with corals, as it does not normally graze coral tissue. The caution is due to its natural predatory feeding behaviour: it may eat small worms, feather dusters, tiny snails, pods, flatworms, small shrimps, small crabs and other small mobile invertebrates. Larger established ornamental shrimps may be ignored by some individuals, but this cannot be guaranteed.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
A soft sand bed is essential for sleeping and stress reduction. Avoid sharp coral gravel, bare-bottom systems and newly set-up tanks with little natural food. Provide frequent varied feeding, good oxygenation and a secure lid. It can be sensitive during acclimation and may hide in the sand for several days after introduction. Avoid mixing with very similar Halichoeres species unless the aquarium is large with multiple territory breaks.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.