Biocellate Wrasse

The Biocellate Wrasse, also known as the Earmuff Wrasse due to its two distinctive eyespot markings behind the head, is a small and attractive member of the Halichoeres genus that makes a wonderful addition to reef aquariums. Its body displays a pale pinkish-white to greenish base color adorned with reddish-orange horizontal lines and intricate facial markings. The most distinctive feature is the pair of prominent dark ocelli (eyespots) located just behind the head on either side, resembling a pair of earmuffs, which give the species both its common and scientific names.

In the wild, Halichoeres biocellatus is found throughout the Western Pacific, from southern Japan through Indonesia to Palau and Papua New Guinea. It inhabits shallow coral reefs and rubble zones at depths of 2 to 15 meters, where it forages among coral branches and rubble for small crustaceans, worms, and other tiny invertebrates. This species tends to stay close to cover, darting between coral heads and rock formations as it searches for food.

In the aquarium, the Biocellate Wrasse is a moderately hardy species that is completely reef-safe and well-suited to peaceful community reef tanks. It requires a minimum 50-gallon aquarium with a sand bed for sleeping, as this species buries itself in the sand at night. While not as demanding as leopard wrasses, it does best in mature aquariums with established microfauna populations that supplement its diet. It is a peaceful species that can be kept with a wide variety of gentle tankmates.