Dusky Wrasse

The Dusky Wrasse is a hardy, active, and attractively colored member of the Halichoeres genus that has earned a loyal following among marine aquarists for its resilience and pest-control abilities. Males display a gorgeous green body with orange-red horizontal lines, a prominent blue facial marking, and a distinctive dark spot on the dorsal fin, while females are more muted with a brownish body, lighter belly, and a dark lateral stripe. Like many wrasses in this genus, the color transformation during sex change is dramatic and rewarding to observe.

In the wild, Halichoeres marginatus is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific, from Japan and the Philippines to Australia and Micronesia. It inhabits shallow coral reefs, lagoons, and rubble areas at depths of 1 to 20 meters, where it actively forages across the reef substrate for small crustaceans, worms, gastropods, and other benthic invertebrates. Its constant activity and quick movements make it one of the more visible fish on the reef.

In the aquarium, the Dusky Wrasse is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a hardy, active wrasse that provides effective pest control. It readily consumes bristleworms, flatworms, pyramidellid snails, and other nuisance invertebrates. This species adapts quickly to captive life and accepts prepared foods almost immediately. A 75-gallon aquarium with a tight-fitting lid, a sand bed for sleeping, and ample rockwork for foraging provides the ideal setup.