
Radiant Wrasse EXPERT (Halichoeres Iridis)
Also Known As: Iridis Wrasse, Orangehead Wrasse
Compatibility and Behavior
The Radiant Wrasse is an active, eye-catching sand-sleeper that adds flowing motion and sunset-like coloration to established reef aquariums. It is generally considered peaceful and can work well in community and reef systems with other mild-mannered fish, but more boisterous or aggressive tank mates may outcompete or intimidate it. This species is often described as reef safe with corals, yet it may naturally hunt small worms, pods, snails, and other tiny invertebrates, so very small ornamental crustaceans and some snails may be at risk. In a calm, well-aquascaped tank, the Radiant Wrasse usually spends its day foraging methodically over sand and rock, then dives into the substrate at night or when startled.
Note that this species naturally enjoys burrowing itself in the sand (particularly at night or when stressed), so a deep sandbed is essential to their survival and stress management.
Aquarium Requirements
The Radiant Wrasse thrives in a mature reef-style aquarium of at least 50 gallons with a soft, fine sand bed deep enough for it to bury completely, along with ample live rock for shelter and hunting. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is essential, as this species can be a determined jumper, especially during acclimation or when spooked. Moderate flow with plenty of rockwork, caves, and arches helps it feel secure and encourages natural foraging behavior while breaking lines of sight with more assertive tank mates.
Specifications
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Approximate Size: Sm/Md: 1.5-2.5", Lg: 2.5-3.5"
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Diet: Carnivore; thrives on a varied diet of mysis and enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine meats, and high-quality marine pellets, supplemented by natural foraging on small invertebrates in sand and rock
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Origin: Western Indian Ocean, including coastal reefs around East Africa and nearby island systems
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Care Level: EXPERT only
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Reef Safe: Yes
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Temperament: Peaceful
Pairs well with

Radiant Wrasse EXPERT (Halichoeres Iridis)
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.
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 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.
