
Wardley (Melanurus) Wrasse (Halichoeres Melanurus)
Also Known As: Melanurus Wrasse, Hoeven’s Wrasse
Compatibility and Behavior
The Wardley (Melanurus) Wrasse is a lively, constantly foraging wrasse that brings motion and personality to the reef, which helps explain why it is one of the most popular and desirable additions to saltwater aquariums.
It is peaceful and generally mixes well with a wide range of peaceful to semi-aggressive community fish. This species is commonly considered one of the more “reef-friendly” Halichoeres wrasses and is often kept in mixed reef tanks. Many aquarists value it as a natural pest hunter, as it may help control nuisance invertebrates like flatworms and small bristle worms, making it a popular functional showpiece for active reef displays.
Note that this product refers to medium-size Wardley Wrasses, which may be male OR female. We cannot guarantee a male for this product. If looking to guarantee the brightest colors of an adult male, please refer to the Wardley Wrasse Male Lg, which is a different product and may not always be available. At this stage in the life cycle, males do not necessarily have the bright colors seen in mature adults, and may appear similar to females.
Aquarium Requirements
The Wardley Wrasse thrives in a mature, well-aquascaped reef tank or fish-only system that offers plenty of rockwork, crevices, and sandbed area for foraging and sleeping. Like all Halichoeres species, Wardley Wrasses require a deep sandbed as it usually buries itself at night or when stressed. Wardleys introduced to tanks without a deep enough sandbed will not be eligible for the guarantee.
Provide open swimming lanes around and above the rockwork so this active species can cruise the tank throughout the day, and ensure a tight-fitting lid or mesh cover since it can jump when spooked or during social interactions.
Specifications
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Approximate Size: 2-2.5"
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Diet: Carnivore
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Origin: Western and Central Pacific reefs, Fiji
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Care Level: Easy
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Reef Safe: Yes
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
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Swimming Zone: Active throughout the lower to midwater column, weaving in and out of rockwork and over the sand
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Special Considerations: Requires a sandbed for burrowing
Pairs well with

Wardley (Melanurus) Wrasse (Halichoeres Melanurus)
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Shipping Information
- Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday. Orders will be shipped overnight on the soonest possible shipping day, unless you request to hold the order for up to one business day.
- Your order will ship same-day if placed before 12:30 PM PST on a shipping day.
- Orders placed after 12:30 PM PST will ship on the next shipping day.
- Stay tuned to our Announcement Bar (black bar at the top of every page) for important shipping announcements...we may reach our max limit of orders we can ship on Mondays.
- If it is very hot, very cold, or if you live in a rural area, ship to a UPS Access Point to save your livestock from hours of exposure to the elements. Click here to see how.
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FAQ’s
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if UPS is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a UPS Access Point, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.
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Contact Us
Send us an email at sales@reefbeauties.com and we will get back to you shortly.
We do not offer phone calls. We handle our inquiries with timely emails to ensure a qualified and high-quality response, to have all conversations on record, and to avoid miscommunications that can occur over the phone.
Free shipping on orders over $199!
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When will you ship my order?
We will ship on the soonest possible shipping day. Our shipping days are Monday-Thursday, and we ship same-day if the order is placed before 12:30 PM PST (unless announced otherwise). For example, if ordering at 1 PM on Thursday, your order will ship the following Monday.
Can you hold my order until next week?
Unfortunately not. We can hold items for up to one business day before shipping. We restock weekly, so chances are good we will receive more by next week!
When is the best time to order?
Saturdays and Sundays are the absolute best time to order, followed by Wednesday evenings. The closer you order to an inventory update, the better the available inventory.
What happens if something I ordered is unavailable?
We will email you to request a substitution. If you would like your original order, chances are good that it will be available to ship within the week (unless it is a very rare item).
Can I modify my order once it has been placed?
This is possible, but not guaranteed. Please email us if you need to modify your order or shipping address, and we will gladly make the changes for you, or let you know if it is too late.
What should I do if FedEx is unreliable in my area?
We recommend shipping to a FedEx Ship Center, as packages get delivered there first before trucks go on residential deliveries. Click here to see how.
What salinity do you ship at?
Salinity for fish is 1.018-9. Salinity for inverts is 1.024-5.
