Biocellate Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widespread in the Western Pacific, from southern Japan to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. Inhabits protected seaward reefs, lagoons, and sandy or rubble areas at depths of 5 to 30 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae, genus Halichoeres. Features an elongated, compressed body. Juveniles and females present two distinct black ocelli on the dorsal fin. Grows to about 12 cm.

Social Behavior: Diurnal, active, and curious. Constantly scans the reef for food. Lives solitarily or in small harems led by a dominant male. Burrows into the sand instantly when threatened or at dusk.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Red-orange longitudinal stripes over a blue-green body. Pronounced dimorphism: males show highly saturated pink and green facial markings and lose the prominent dorsal ocelli typical of females and juveniles.

Aquarium Setup: Requires an aquarium of at least 200 liters with a deep, fine sand bed (at least 5-8 cm) for sleeping and retreat. Live rock is essential for foraging. The tank must be tightly covered to prevent jumping.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Active predator of reef pests like flatworms and pyramidellid snails. In captivity, feed 2-3 times daily with mysis, brine shrimp, chopped krill, and high-quality pellet food.

Water Quality: Stable parameters: temperature 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity (SG) 1.020-1.025, GH 15-25, KH 8-12. Appreciates moderate to strong water movement and efficient filtration.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Reef safe with caution. Harmless to corals, but will eat small crustaceans (like tiny ornamental shrimp), bristleworms, and small snails. Best kept with active, robust, and peaceful tankmates.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Captive reproduction is undocumented due to the extreme difficulty of raising pelagic larvae.

Risks and Diseases: High jumping risk when startled. Snout injuries and stress can occur if the sand bed is too coarse or sharp. Susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) under stress.