Common name: Timor wrasse

Scientific name: Halichoeres timorensis (Bleeker, 1852)
Juvenile Rockmover WrasseJuvenile Peacock Razorfish

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.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
200 liter (53 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
12 cm (5″)
Care level
Moderate to easy
Diet
Carnivore
Social
Harem
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Wrasses
    Labridae
  6. Genus
    Wrasse
    Halichoeres
  7. Species
    Timor wrasse
    Halichoeres timorensis (Bleeker, 1852)
  8. Synonyms
    Halichoeres kawarin (Bleeker, 1852)
    Halichoeris kawarin (Bleeker, 1852)
    Julis kawarin Bleeker, 1852
    Julis timorensis Bleeker, 1852

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.