MarineDepot.com Education Center - Species Database
Hemigymnus melapterus
Hemigymnus melapterus known as the Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse will eat ornamental crustaceans including fan worms, small clams, snails and crabs. Juveniles have a very attractive coloration and grow to a duller color and outgrow most home aquariums. Will sift through substrate looking for spaghetti worms, fan worms and other sandbed infauna. Will keep sandbed stirred in fish only systems.
Maximum Size: the Hemigymnus melapterus grows up to 20 inches.
Minimum Tank Size: The Half & Half Wrasse prefers a tank of at least 150 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim.
Diet: The Hemigymnus melapterus is a carnivore and likes to eat Variety of meaty treats including frozen mysis, saltwater feeder shrimp, squid, scallop clam and other crustaceans..
Level of Care: The Half & Half Wrasse is a high maintenance fish.
Behavior: The Half & Half Wrasse may act peacefully toward other fish.
Hardiness: this is a moderately hardy fish
Water Conditions: Keep water quality high (SG 1.020 - 1.025, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Temp. 72 - 78 F).
Range: Indo-Pacific.
Species Compatibility Checker
It is important to make sure species can peacefully cohabitate before adding livestock to an aquarium. Use our handy species compatibility checker to determine if the animals on your wish list will play nice together.
