Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Banana Wrasse - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Banana Wrasse at a glance
Adult size: 6 inches · Min tank/pond: 75 gallons · Difficulty: intermediate · Diet: carnivore · Lifespan: 5-7 years.
Banana Wrasse (Halichoeres trispilus) is a popular saltwater fish in the aquarium and pond hobby. Suitable for keepers with 6-12 months of stable-tank experience.
Where Banana Wrasse comes from
Banana Wrasse (Halichoeres trispilus) is native to Indo-Pacific reef ecosystems. Wild populations distribute across coral reefs from East Africa through Indonesia, the Philippines, and into the western Pacific. Captive-bred Banana Wrasse is increasingly available and is the more sustainable choice when you can find it.
Banana Wrasse tank size and setup
Banana Wrasse requires a minimum of 75 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 6 inches adult size and territorial range. For Banana Wrasse, plan a mature reef tank with stable parameters, sand bed, live rock for cover, and reef LED if photosynthetic.
Water parameters for Banana Wrasse
Banana Wrasse requires standard reef parameters: temperature 76-80°F, specific gravity 1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity 8-9 dKH, calcium 420-450 ppm, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 10 ppm. Use a refractometer (not hydrometer) to measure salinity.
What Banana Wrasse eats
Banana Wrasse is a carnivore. Provide frozen mysis, brine, finely chopped seafood, and quality carnivore pellets. Live food triggers feeding response in stressed arrivals. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.
Banana Wrasse tankmates and compatibility
Banana Wrasse is best paired with peaceful reef-tank species in similar size class. Avoid known fin-nippers and large aggressive species.
Banana Wrasse adult size and lifespan
Banana Wrasse reaches 6 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 5-7 years with proper care.
Can you breed Banana Wrasse?
Banana Wrasse breeding in captivity ranges from straightforward to very difficult. Captive-bred specimens are increasingly available from sustainable aquaculture facilities.
Common Banana Wrasse diseases and problems
Banana Wrasse is susceptible to ich, velvet, marine flukes, and bacterial infections. Quarantine new Banana Wrasse for 4-6 weeks before adding to display.
Where to buy Banana Wrasse online
Banana Wrasse is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Banana Wrasse from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.
Related saltwater species you might also keep
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Banana Wrasse taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.