Richmond's Wrasse Care Guide
Halichoeres richmondi is a central Indo-Pacific reef wrasse that feeds on small benthic invertebrates and buries in sand at night.
Overview
Halichoeres richmondi, known as Richmond's wrasse, is a marine wrasse of the family Labridae described by Fowler and Bean in 1928. It occurs across the tropical and subtropical central Indo-Pacific. Like other members of the genus, it is a benthic predator that retreats into the substrate when threatened or at night.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Halichoeres
- Scientific name: Halichoeres richmondi
- Described by Fowler and Bean, 1928
Habitat
The species ranges through the central Indo-Pacific, recorded from Java and the Philippines to Palau, Truk, Pohnpei, Kwajalein and the Ryukyu Islands. It inhabits shallow lagoon and channel reefs rich in soft coral, where it lives and feeds in small loose groups. FishBase reports a depth range of about 1 to 15 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 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 19 cm total length (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
A sandy substrate deep enough for burrowing is important, as members of the genus bury themselves at night and when startled.
Diet
Richmond's wrasse is a carnivore. In the wild it feeds mainly on small marine invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs, worms and echinoderms taken on or in the substrate. In aquaria it accepts meaty frozen and prepared marine foods offered in several small feedings per day.
Compatibility
The species is peaceful and bottom-oriented, and is generally kept with calm reef tankmates such as tangs, clownfish, cardinalfish and anthias. Highly aggressive damsels and predatory fish are best avoided. It can prey on small ornamental invertebrates and worms in a reef system.
Reef compatibility
Halichoeres wrasses do not damage corals and are kept in reef aquariums, but their invertebrate diet means small snails, fan worms and similar fauna may be eaten.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009). It is collected for the aquarium trade but is not considered threatened.