Checkerboard wrasse

The checkerboard wrasse is a reef fish in the family Labridae, widespread across the Indo-Pacific. Adults are pale with a bold checkerboard pattern of dark-edged scales, green facial markings, and a yellow spot on the dorsal fin, while juveniles are white with black blotches and orange spots. It is an active, semi-aggressive fish that grows fairly large and hunts constantly over the reef, sifting sand and rock for prey. It can harass smaller or more timid tank mates. It needs a spacious aquarium with a deep sandbed for burrowing and sleeping, plenty of rockwork, and a tight-fitting lid. It is a hardy carnivore that helps control pest invertebrates and readily eats meaty and prepared foods, but it is not fully reef-safe with small shrimp and snails. Robust tank mates and ample space suit it best.