Jade Wrasse (Halichoeres chloropterus)

The Jade Wrasse (Halichoeres chloropterus), also known as the Pastel Green Wrasse, is an attractive and active marine fish prized for its vibrant jade-green upper body and contrasting pale white underside. Its elegant shape, bright colouration and inquisitive behaviour make it an eye-catching addition to a well-established marine aquarium.

Native to the Western Central Pacific, including waters around the Philippines and Australia, the Jade Wrasse inhabits coral reefs, sandy areas and rocky coastal environments. In the aquarium, it enjoys exploring live rock, searching for small invertebrates and swimming through open spaces. Providing a combination of secure rockwork and open sand helps recreate its natural habitat.

A fine sand bed is essential for this species. Like many wrasses in the Halichoeres genus, the Jade Wrasse buries itself in the sand to sleep at night or hide when startled. Ensure the rockwork is securely positioned so digging cannot undermine it, and use a tight-fitting aquarium lid to reduce the risk of jumping.

The Jade Wrasse is carnivorous and benefits from a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped marine seafood and suitable quality marine pellets. It naturally hunts small invertebrates around the reef, so it may also help control certain unwanted pests. However, it can eat desirable ornamental invertebrates, including small shrimp, crabs and worms, so caution is advised when keeping it in a reef aquarium.

Generally manageable for aquarists with some marine fishkeeping experience, the Jade Wrasse needs a spacious, mature aquarium with stable water quality and plenty of swimming room. Although often peaceful, larger individuals may become territorial towards smaller or more timid fish. Careful tankmate selection is therefore important.

With its vivid green colour, lively personality and fascinating sand-burying behaviour, the Jade Wrasse is a rewarding choice for aquarists looking to add colour and activity to a suitable marine setup.

Care at a glance

• Scientific name: Halichoeres chloropterus

• Common name: Jade Wrasse / Pastel Green Wrasse

• Adult size: Up to approximately 19 cm

• Origin: Western Central Pacific

• Diet: Carnivore

• Temperament: Generally peaceful, but larger individuals may become territorial

• Reef compatibility: Reef-safe with caution; may eat ornamental invertebrates

• Aquarium: Mature marine aquarium with open swimming space and live rock

• Special requirements: Fine sand bed for sleeping and hiding; secure aquarium lid

• Experience level: Intermediate

• Suggested aquarium size: Around 300 litres or larger