Red Velvet Wrasse
Halichoeres poecilopterus
What you need to keep a Red Velvet Wrasse
Shop all
Seachem Reef Carbonate
From R161Sizes
Seachem Ammonia Alert
R267
Seachem Reef Iron
From R162Sizes
Seachem Reef Phosphorus
From R162Sizes
pH
8–8.4
Temperature
24–27 °C
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
A beautiful wrasse, typically pale pink to deep red, known for its ability to hunt small invertebrates. Like most *Halichoeres*, it buries itself in the sand at night.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Red Velvet Wrasse healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Red Velvet Wrasse's adult size and activity level. Provide hiding spots and stable, well-filtered water; it suits a community setup.
Water parameters
Keep pH 8–8.4 and 24–27°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Peaceful. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose tankmates of similar size and temperament with the same water needs. Avoid fin-nippers and anything large enough to eat it.
Breeding
Breeding success with Red Velvet Wrasse depends on the line and water chemistry; ask your shop about proven pairs.
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.