Bleeding Heart Wrasse

Halichoeres margaritaceus

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 Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Color Form: Green, Pink, Tan

Diet: Carnivore

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78? F, dKH 8-12, pH
8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 5"

Origin: Fiji

Family: Labridae

Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons

The Bleeding Heart Wrasse, also known as the Pearly
Wrasse, features an attractive sage green body coloration beautifully decorated
with irregular scribbles of pink. This coloration allows the Pearly Wrasse to
blend into weedy or algae-covered reef surfaces where it is commonly found
especially in areas of strong surge. The Pearly Wrasse is one of the several
species where the juvenile and female stages are nearly identical.

The Pearly Wrasse is a burrowing wrasse well adapted to
feeding on benthic invertebrates. As such, the ideal aquascape should include
an open area where the Pearly Wrasse has easy access to fine, sandy substrate.
A depth of at least 2-3 inches provides the Pearly Wrasse the appropriate
refuge if frightened. A tight-fitting lid is also recommended. An established
aquarium 90 gallons or larger stocked with other passive tank mates makes an
ideal environment for the Pearly Wrasse.

The Pearly Wrasse will eat fireworms and pyramidellid
snails, protecting corals and clams. In addition, it may eat feather dusters,
small shrimp, tubeworms, and flatworms. It may also eat parasites off of tank
mates when young. The Pearly Wrasse diet should include vitamin-enriched frozen
mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along
with a high-quality marine flake and marine pellet food.