Wardley (Melanurus) Wrasse (Halichoeres Melanurus)
Also Known As: Melanurus Wrasse, Hoeven's Wrasse
Compatibility and Behavior The Wardley Wrasse is one of those fish that earns its keep in more ways than one. It's peaceful by nature and generally coexists well with a wide range of community fish, from other peaceful species to mildly semi-aggressive tankmates — though as always with live animals, individual personalities can vary. Beyond being a good citizen in the reef, many hobbyists keep Wardleys specifically for their pest-hunting instincts: they tend to actively forage for flatworms and small bristleworms, making them a genuinely functional addition to an active reef display, not just a pretty face.
One important note: this listing is for medium-size Wardley Wrasses, which may be male or female — we can't guarantee sex at this size. At the medium stage, males don't necessarily show the intense coloration of fully mature adults and may look quite similar to females. If you're set on the boldest adult male coloration, check out our Wardley Wrasse Male Lg listing (availability varies).
Aquarium Requirements A well-aquascaped tank of at least 50 gallons works well for this species — think plenty of rockwork with crevices to weave through, open swimming lanes above and around the rock, and a sandbed with enough depth for burrowing. That last point isn't optional: Wardley Wrasses bury themselves in the sand to sleep and when stressed, and individuals introduced to tanks without a suitable sandbed won't be covered under our guarantee. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is also essential, as this fish can and will launch itself out of an open tank when startled. Beyond those two non-negotiables, care is pretty straightforward — stable water quality, moderate flow, and regular feedings of meaty foods will keep this active forager busy and healthy.
Specifications
Approximate Size: 2–2.5"
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Western and Central Pacific, Fiji
Care Level: Easy
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Special Considerations: Requires a sandbed for burrowing; tight-fitting lid essential
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.