Description
Lightning Wrasse (Halichoeres cyanocephalus)
Overview
The Lightning Wrasse, also known as the Red-Shoulder Wrasse or Cyano Wrasse, is a brilliantly colored reef fish featuring an iridescent green-blue body with electric yellow and red highlights across its shoulders and fins. Active, hardy, and reef-safe with most species, it adds a flash of color and constant motion to any marine aquarium.
Origin
Native to the Western Pacific, particularly around Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, Halichoeres cyanocephalus inhabits shallow coral reefs and sandy lagoons, where it forages among rubble for small crustaceans.
Feeding
An omnivore that enjoys a varied diet of frozen mysis, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and quality marine pellets. It will also graze on small invertebrates and pests in the aquarium. Feed 2–3 times daily.
Tank Mates
Peaceful and reef-safe with most community species. Ideal companions include tangs, gobies, fairy wrasses, and anthias. Avoid housing with aggressive or overly territorial fish.
Aggression
Generally peaceful, though mild territorial behavior may occur toward similar-shaped wrasses in smaller tanks. Provide ample swimming space, live rock, and a sandy substrate for resting and security.
Experience Level
Suitable for beginner to intermediate aquarists. Hardy, adaptable, and colorful, the Lightning Wrasse thrives in stable, mature aquariums with plenty of rockwork.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 75°F – 82°F (24°C – 28°C)
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Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 SG
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pH: 8.1 – 8.4
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Alkalinity: 8 – 12 dKH
Vibrant, resilient, and full of life, the Lightning Wrasse is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a reef-safe fish that combines striking coloration with a peaceful temperament.
