Red Head Wrasse (Halichoeres Rubricephalus)

Species Name : Halichoeres Rubricephalus

Care Level : Intermediate 

Temperament : Peaceful 

Color : Green, Red, Yellow

Diet : Carnivore 

Reef Compatible : Yes

Max. Size : 4 inches 

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Labridae 

Minimum Tank Size : 75 gallons 

Halichoeres Rubricephalusis commonly referred to as Red Head Wrasse. 

Males have a greenish body with a blue edge to the unpaired fins and characteristic red head. Females are yellow with blue longitudinal pinstripes and a couple of dorsal spots. Length to about 10cm, Halichoeres Rubricephalus have been successfully kept in reef set-ups, but larger ones may look on certain shrimp as food and could pick at corals, so be cautious.

The ideal habitat for Red Head Wrasse would be a well-established saltwater tank of at least 50 gallons with a tight-fitting lid. To best recreate the natural reef environment for your Halichoeres Rubricephalus, use the live rock aquascape liberally, providing enough nooks and crannies for your Halichoeres Rubricephalus to explore, seek shelter or forage. Be sure to include a large area of open substrate as well as open spaces for swimming. A sandy substrate layer 1-2 inches in depth is essential to provide shelter for the Halichoeres Rubricephalusis as it burrows into the sand for the evening or when frightened.

House Red Head Wrasse with other peaceful wrasses, including members of your own species. They’re not usually aggressive as wrasses go and should be added individually, unless you’re able to obtain a sexed pair. Halichoeres Rubricephalusis generally does not harm sessile invertebrates, including soft or stony corals.

Like other wrasses, this species may change sex and males and females are sexually dichromatic, so look completely different and could easily be mistaken for separate species.

In the home aquarium, the diet of Halichoeres Rubricephalus should consist of a variety of foods, including vitamin-fortified frozen myses, vitamin-fortified frozen brine shrimp and other meat products, as well as high quality sea flakes and marine pellets. Red Head Wrasse will benefit from frequent small meals throughout the day.      

Size: Up to 10cm/4”.