Dusky Wrasse Care Guide
Halichoeres marginatus is a wide-ranging Indo-Pacific reef wrasse that changes colour with age and feeds on small invertebrates and fish eggs.
Overview
Halichoeres marginatus, the dusky wrasse, is a marine wrasse of the family Labridae with one of the widest distributions in the genus. Juveniles and adults differ markedly in colour, and the species is a sequential hermaphrodite, with females able to change into males.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Halichoeres
- Scientific name: Halichoeres marginatus
Habitat
The species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and Mozambique east to the Hawaiian and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan and south to the Great Barrier Reef. It inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs along the upper edges of coral-rich areas. FishBase reports a depth range of about 0 to 30 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- dKH: 8-12
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Maximum size: about 18 cm total length (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
A sand bed deep enough for burrowing is recommended, as the fish buries itself at night and when alarmed.
Diet
The dusky wrasse is a carnivore that feeds on a wide variety of small invertebrates as well as fish eggs. Aquarium specimens take meaty frozen and prepared marine foods given in several small feedings daily.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling species suited to calm reef communities with tankmates such as tangs, clownfish, cardinalfish and anthias. Aggressive damsels and predators should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
The species does not harm corals, but as an invertebrate feeder it may consume small ornamental shrimp, snails and worms.
Breeding
Halichoeres marginatus is a pelagic spawner. Females migrate to spawning sites and may later transition into males that establish territories at those sites.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009).