Little Shop of Coral
Radiant Wrasse (Halichoeres iridis)
Radiant Wrasse (Halichoeres iridis)
Couldn't load pickup availability
The Radiant Wrasse is a beautiful, high-energy wrasse with bright coloration and constant movement. It is a popular choice for reef tanks because it can help control common pests while staying generally coral safe. Like most Halichoeres wrasses, it needs a sandbed to bury in at night and can be risky with smaller ornamental invertebrates.
Why we love it
-
Vibrant coloration and nonstop activity
-
Often helps manage pests like flatworms and other nuisance hitchhikers
-
Generally safe with corals in established reefs
-
Great utility wrasse for community tanks
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
Radiant Wrasses usually adapt quickly to prepared foods once settled.
-
Frozen mysis and brine shrimp
-
Quality frozen reef blends
-
Chopped seafood like shrimp and clam
-
High-quality marine pellets once established
Feed daily and keep variety in rotation.
Tank and Setup Notes
-
Needs a sandbed for sleeping and security. Aim for 2 inches or more of fine sand.
-
Provide rockwork for hunting and shelter plus open swimming space
-
A secure lid is strongly recommended since wrasses can jump
-
Stable parameters and strong oxygenation support long-term health
Compatibility Tips
-
Great with most community reef fish
-
May eat or harass small ornamental shrimp, tiny crabs, and very small snails
-
Usually safe with corals, but can disturb the sandbed and may bury or flip frags
-
Avoid aggressive tank mates that will keep it hiding or prevent it from feeding
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 confidently during the first week.
Collapsible content
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.
ADVANCED: