Multicolour Wrasse

Halichoeres iridis

Due to variations within
species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate
size range may also vary between individual specimen

Care

The Multicolour Wrasse is known from steep, seaward reefs
to depths of 43m (141ft). This species makes a colourful and fascinating
addition to reef aquaria where no ornamental shrimp, snails, or fanworms are
present. The tank should be mature and furnished with plenty of living rock to
provide feeding opportunities, shady hiding places and visual barriers. There
should be a deep sand bed of around 3? (7.5cm) or so, in order that the wrasse
may bury itself at night or if startled. Keep either a single specimen, or, if
the tank is large enough, a good sized group of 5 or 6 individuals (ideally
introduced simultaneously). Multicolour Wrasses are non-aggressive and may be
kept alongside some of the more docile species such as firefish, flasher wrasses,
and fairy wrasses. It is not uncommon for this species to clean other fishes in
captivity and this behaviour should not be mistaken for aggression. Powerful
filtration and circulation with a high level of oxygenation are a must, as are
tight fitting coverslides; these fish are expert jumpers. Multicolour Wrasse
can often be observed searching for small live foods such as commensal
flatworms, pyramidellid snails (clam parasites), urchins, tiny isopods, and
small bristleworms. May also be seen on sale as Iridis Wrasse, Orangehead
Wrasse, Radiant Wrasse, or Rainbow Wrasse.

Feeding

Feed a variety of meaty foods in small amounts several
times per day, including Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely
chopped krill/ cockle/ mussel/ prawns/ squid/ clam/ fish flesh etc, plus flake
food.

Breeding

This species has not been bred in the home aquarium. In
the wild, these fish have been observed forming distinct pairs when breeding.