Divided Wrasse

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Southwestern Atlantic: coasts of Brazil and adjacent oceanic islands. Found in coral reefs, shallow lagoons, and sandy margins at depths from 1 to 30 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Genus Halichoeres, family Labridae. Elongated body with a pointed snout and specialized teeth for feeding on benthic invertebrates. Grows to 12.0 cm.

Social Behavior: Active diurnal swimmer that spends the day hunting near the substrate. Burrows into the sand bed at night or when threatened.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Often confused in the past with Halichoeres maculipinna, from which it differs in coloration. Adult males possess striking, colorful patterns, whereas juveniles and females exhibit camouflaging stripes or spots.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a spacious aquarium of at least 150.0 liters with a fine sand bed of at least 5-8 cm depth for sleeping. A secure lid is highly recommended.

Diet and Feeding: Active carnivore. Diet should include mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped krill, and high-quality dry pellets.

Water Quality: Keep marine parameters stable: temperature 22.0-26.0 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Safe with corals, but may eat small ornamental shrimps, tubeworms, and flatworms. Great for pest control.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Broadcast spawner; successful captive breeding in home aquariums is undocumented.

Risks and Diseases: Skin infections can occur if the sand substrate is too coarse or sharp. High jumping risk.