The Marble/Hortulanus Wrasse (Halichoeres hortulanus), also known as the Checkerboard Wrasse, is an active and striking marine fish belonging to the family Labridae.

Distribution and Habitat

Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to the western Pacific, inhabiting shallow sandy areas and seaward coral reefs.

Physical Description

Features a greenish body with a checkerboard pattern of dark spots, with terminal males displaying a bright yellow saddle behind the head.

Diet and Feeding

Carnivorous, feeds on crustaceans and mollusks using strong teeth, consuming frozen seafoods, krill, and chopped shrimp in captivity.

Behavior and Reproduction

Protogynous hermaphrodites that become large and active, and buries in sand at night to sleep.

Aquarium Care

Requires 75+ gallons with a deep sand bed. It is semi-aggressive and not reef-safe with small invertebrates such as ornamental shrimp and crabs.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.