Earmuff Wrasse (Halichoeres Melasmapomus)

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Green, Pink, Blue, Yellow, Red, 

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 5"

Origin : Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Family : Labridae

Minimum Tank Size : 65 gallons

The Earmuff Wrasse (Halichoeres Melasmapomus) is a rare jewel among the Wrasse family. Halichoeres Melasmapomusis commonly referred to as Black-ear Wrasse, Cheekspot Wrasse, Earmuff Wrasse, Ocellated Wrasse, Black-Eared Wrasse. As the names suggest, these adorable fish are characterised by a dark spot behind their eye.

A distinctive wrasse with a large pale-edged black spot on the gill cover. Males (terminal phase) are lavender with a darker marking on each scale, a large blue-edged black spot behind the eye, yellow-orange bands on the head, and a red caudal fin. Females (initial phase) are similar with 2-3 pale-edged black spots along the dorsal fin, and a large pale-edged black spot on the caudal fin.  

The Earmuff Wrasse requires a 65 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging for food. There should also be a good sand bed for the wrasse to hide and sleep in. Wrasse are considered jumpers make sure your aquarium has a tight-fitting canopy or screen cover to prevent the Wrasse from jumping out of your aquarium.

Generally peaceful towards tank mates. Typical of wrasses, they can be kept in a harem with a single male. May get aggressive towards related species, but will tolerate other genera.

This species can change gender from female to male. When a male is needed, a female changes sex and takes on the role.

The Earmuff 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. Feeding them multiple times a day is recommended as they are very active and keeping them full will help keep them away from desirable inverts. In addition, they are known predators of a myriad of unwanted pests like fireworms and pyramidellid snails.