Ornate Wrasse – Halichoeres ornatissimus

Species Name: Halichoeres ornatissimus

Common Names: Ornate Wrasse

Family: Labridae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Max. Size: 6-7 inches

Coloration: Males generally have a red body with small green spots or squares along their bodies forming rows from front to rear. The females are usually a little more brownish coloration. Thefish is generally orange on top and blue on bottom with green markings throughout the facial area. The tail is multi colored with green spots throughout.

Environment: Marine Reef Ecosystem

Origin: IndoPacific

Temperament: Peaceful and excellent around reefs

Company: This is a peaceful wrasse and will commonly allow most other docile wrasses and cleaner shrimp in the tank. It is not harmful to coral or clams but may eat smaller varieties of ornamental shrimp. Coral banded shrimp can be kept with them.

Aquarium Setup: Tank should be 55 gallons or more to house this species. A well established tank with live rock and live sand should be used. Provide plenty of sand as wrasses love to bury themselves when resting. Temperature 74-80° F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4


Food: Mixed carnivorous diet. Commonly consumes brine shrimp, live black worms, frozen mysis shrimp, and pellets.

Breeding: Not reported