Dusky Wrasse EXPERT (Halichoeres Annularis)
Also Known As: Ringed Halichoeres Wrasse
Compatibility and Behavior The Dusky Wrasse (Halichoeres annularis) is a bold, inquisitive fish that commands attention in a large display tank. Adults develop a rich dusky-green to brown body with subtle horizontal patterning, brighter facial markings, and a characteristic ringed pattern near the tail that distinguishes it from other Halichoeres species. It's generally reef safe with corals and clams, but small ornamental crustaceans, worms, and tiny snails are fair game — this isn't the right fish for a system where those are prized display animals. It can also be semi-aggressive, particularly toward similarly shaped wrasses or smaller, timid fish, so it tends to do best alongside moderately assertive tankmates that can hold their own. Ample rockwork to break up lines of sight helps keep the peace.
Aquarium Requirements A large, mature aquarium of at least 90 gallons with extensive live rock and a deep, soft sand bed is what this species needs to thrive. Like other sand-sleeping wrasses, it dives into the substrate at night and when stressed, so fine sand several inches deep is essential to its long-term wellbeing — not optional. Open swimming space across the front and top of the aquascape, combined with caves, ledges, and shaded retreats, gives it room to cruise and somewhere to decompress when needed. A secure, tight-fitting lid is a must; this is an energetic fish and it can jump when startled. Feed frequently with mysis, chopped shrimp, and quality marine preparations to keep it in good condition and reduce the likelihood of it making a meal out of your cleanup crew.
Specifications
Approximate Size: 3–5"
Diet: Carnivore; small invertebrates, frozen and prepared meaty foods
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Care Level: Expert
Reef Safe: With caution; may consume small ornamental crustaceans, worms, and snails
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; may harass smaller or similarly shaped wrasses
Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons
Special Considerations: Fine sand bed several inches deep required for burrowing; tight-fitting lid essential; regular varied feedings recommended to reduce predation on cleanup crews
Pairs well with
Dusky Wrasse EXPERT (Halichoeres Annularis)
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.