Radiant Wrasse — Halichoeres iridis

Radiant Wrasse — Color and movement for an established reef

Halichoeres iridis, also called the Orangehead or Iridis Wrasse, combines a deep red body with a bright yellow-orange head and green facial markings. It explores the rockwork throughout the day, searching for small invertebrates.

François Neo’s advice

My recommendation: give this fish room to explore, a peaceful introduction and an accessible bed of fine sand. Choose your tankmates carefully, especially if you keep small ornamental shrimp or decorative worms. Its hunting behavior is part of its appeal, but it also needs to fit your reef community.

Care at a glance

• Scientific name: Halichoeres iridis.
• Adult size: Approximately 4–4.5 inches (10–11.5 cm).
• Our aquarium recommendation: An established aquarium of 75 US gallons or larger, with open swimming space and rockwork for foraging.
• Experience: Best for experienced marine aquarists; feeding and settling in need close attention.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful, though compatibility with other wrasses depends on the individual and introduction.
• Reef compatibility: Generally compatible with corals; use caution with small crustaceans, feather dusters and other tube worms.
• Sand & cover: Fine sand approximately 2–3 inches deep, adjusted so the fish can bury fully, plus a secure lid.

Feeding & acclimation

Provide a varied carnivorous diet, including appropriately sized mysis and other marine meaty foods. Offer small portions at least twice daily and confirm that the fish is eating. Newly introduced individuals may need live foods to stimulate feeding; prepared-food acceptance varies.

This wrasse buries itself to sleep and when frightened. Give it time to settle, avoid digging it out, and protect it from bullying. A mature aquarium offers natural foraging opportunities, but regular feeding remains essential.

A thoughtful addition to your reef

It may consume some unwanted small invertebrates, but pest control is never guaranteed. Assess the potential impact on your desirable invertebrates before adding one.

Image shown is representative unless explicitly marked WYSIWYG. Confirm the available specimen’s size and current feeding response before ordering.

Explore our Wrasses, browse Marine Fish, or contact François Neo for stocking advice.