Little Shop of Coral
Nebulous Wrasse (Halichoeres nebulosus)
Nebulous Wrasse (Halichoeres nebulosus)
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The Nebulous Wrasse is an active, hardy wrasse that brings constant motion and great utility to marine tanks. Like many Halichoeres wrasses, it spends its day cruising rockwork and sand while hunting small pests and unwanted hitchhikers. It is a great choice for larger community and fish-only systems, but it needs a sandbed for sleeping and can be tough on smaller ornamental invertebrates.
Why we love it
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Hardy, active wrasse with tons of movement
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Often helps control pests like small worms and nuisance critters
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Great utility fish for larger community tanks
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Interesting patterning that stands out without being overly flashy
Care and Compatibility
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Safe: With caution
Diet: Carnivore
Adult Size: ~5 to 6"
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons recommended (larger ideal)
Feeding
Nebulous Wrasses are usually strong eaters once settled.
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Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, krill
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Chopped seafood like shrimp and clam
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High-quality marine pellets once established
Feed daily and aim for variety.
Tank and Setup Notes
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Needs a sandbed for sleeping and security. Aim for 2 inches or more of fine sand.
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Provide rockwork and open swimming space
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A secure lid is strongly recommended since wrasses can jump
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Stable parameters and good oxygenation support long-term health
Compatibility Tips
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Great with confident community fish that can handle an active tank mate
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Not safe with many ornamental invertebrates. It may eat small shrimp, snails, and crabs
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Generally safe with corals, but it can disturb the sandbed and may flip small frags
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Avoid housing with very timid fish in smaller tanks
Acclimation and Health
Slow acclimation is recommended. Quarantine is ideal when possible. Provide sand immediately in the display so it can bury at night, and ensure it is eating well during the first week.
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LIGHT
LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.
MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height.
HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.
FLOW
LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.
MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.
HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.
SKILL
ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.
While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.
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