Half & Half Wrasse

Half & Half Wrasse – Hemigymnus melapterus
The Half & Half Wrasse:
which is also known as Banner Wrasse, Black edge Thick lip is very
difficult to keep and it is one of the restricted species. The Half
& Half Wrasse has a light silver-gray on the front half of the body
whereas the back half of it is velvety black. When it is first
introduced to captivity, it hardly eats and it is a very finicky fish.
The Half & Half Wrasse may act peacefully towards other fish.and it
is a moderately hardy fish. The Half & Half Wrasse would prefer to
nest among the branches of coral rather than hide under sand. The Half
& Half Wrasse is not reef compatible.

Juveniles have a very
attractive coloration, but their colour would become duller as they
become older. The colour of the Half & Half Wrasse juveniles’ is
dark green and black posteriorly and almost white anteriorly. and those
fish whose size is under about 8 cm have a bright yellow tail which
slowly gets dull with growth The colorful pink and blue facial markings
around the eyes of juveniles spreads with gradual growth to cover nearly
the entire head of large adults. The Half & Half Wrasse will keep
sandbed stirred in fish only systems. The Half & Half Wrasse is
highly difficult to take care in an aquarium and it ought to be handled
delicately while shipping. The Half & Half Wrasse should be the only
member of its species present in the tank.

Maximum Size: The Half & Half Wrasse grows up to a maximun of 20 inches

General Size Specifications: The small size will come to you generally 1 to 2 inches; the medium generally 3 to 4 inches; the large generally 5 to 6 inches

Minimum Tank Size: A
150 Gallon tank with a sandy bottom, lively rocks would be an ideal
home for the Half & Half Wrasse type of species. And the tank should
have plenty of space for it to swim and hide. Water Conditions: Keep
water quality high (SG 1.020 – 1.025, pH 8.1 – 8.4, Temp. 72 – 78° F).

Habitat: Range: Indo-Pacific

Feeding and Diet: The
Half & Half Wrasse is a carnivore and will eat ornamental
crustaceans including fan worms, small clams, snails, crabs, saltwater
feeder shrimp, squid, and scallop clam.