Common name: Timor wrasse

General information

The Timor Wrasse, Halichoeres timorensis, is a colorful and active fish that adds both beauty and personality to a saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its vibrant coloration, which can range from a mix of green, blue, and yellow in juveniles to a more subdued palette in adults, with males often displaying brighter colors and distinct patterns.

Care

Timor Wrasses are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. They require a well-established tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. It's important to maintain high water quality and stable parameters. These wrasses are known to jump, so a tight-fitting lid is essential to prevent escape.

In terms of diet, Timor Wrasses are carnivorous and should be fed a variety of meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. They are also known to eat small invertebrates and may help control populations of pyramidellid snails and other small pests.

Reproduction

In the wild, Timor Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male if the dominant male is removed from the group. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but with a well-established pair, spawning may occur. The eggs are pelagic, floating in the water column until they hatch.

Habitat

Native to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, particularly around Timor, from which their common name is derived, Timor Wrasses are usually found in shallow, coral-rich areas. They are active swimmers and require ample space to roam.

In the wild, they are typically found at depths ranging from the shallows down to about 20 meters, often in areas with strong currents where they can forage for small invertebrates.