Red-Lined Wrasse

Bold, beautiful, and brimming with personality, the elegantly-striped makes the perfect addition to showcase in your display reef aquarium. Also known in the hobby as the False-eyed or Biocellate Wrasse, juvenile Halichoeres biocellatus and sub adults are easily identifiable by a pair of ocelli, or "false eyes", on the dorsal fin which disappear as the matures.
The ideal setup for the will be a well-established saltwater aquarium of at least 50 gallons in size with a tight-fitting lid. Aquascape liberally with live rock, making sure to include a large area of open substrate to best replicate the seaward reefs from which the originates. In the wild, the also prefers to inhabit reef crests and slopes so be sure to maintain open spaces for swimming. A sandy substrate layer 2-3 inches in depth provides refuge for the as it burrows into the sand for the evening or when frightened. House the with other peaceful wrasses, including members of its own species.
The natural diet of the consists of benthic invertebrates and as such, large, hungry will eat fireworms and pyramidellid snails, protecting corals and clams from these undesirable invertebrates. The may also eat parasites off of tank mates. Though this hearty appetite for invertebrates seems beneficial, keep in mind that the cannot differentiate between "undesirable" and "desirable" invertebrates. If the opportunity presents itself, the will most likely make a meal of "desirable" ornamental invertebrates including fan worms, shrimp, and other crustaceans in the home aquarium. However, the typically will not harm sessile invertebrates including soft or stony corals.
In the home aquarium, the diet of the should include vitamin-enriched frozen mysis shrimp and vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp. The an active forager that requires frequent small feedings throughout the day.
Source: Live Aquaria. Photo indicative only.