Earmuff Wrasse

The Earmuff Wrasse is a charming and relatively uncommon member of the Halichoeres genus, named for the distinctive dark markings located just behind each eye that resemble a pair of earmuffs. Its body displays a pale greenish to yellowish base color with delicate reddish-pink horizontal lines running along the flanks. Males develop more vivid coloration with enhanced green tones, brighter facial markings, and a more prominent dark patch behind the operculum. The overall effect is a subtle but genuinely attractive fish that rewards close observation.

In the wild, Halichoeres melasmapomus is found in the Western Pacific, primarily around Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. It inhabits coral-rich reef slopes and lagoons at depths of 5 to 25 meters, where it forages among coral rubble and branching corals for small crustaceans, worms, and other tiny invertebrates. This species tends to stay relatively close to the reef structure, using its agility to dart in and out of coral formations while feeding.

In the aquarium, the Earmuff Wrasse is a moderately hardy species that is fully reef-safe and well-suited to peaceful community reef tanks. It requires a minimum of 55 gallons with a sand bed for nighttime burial, a behavior shared by most Halichoeres wrasses. While not as commonly available as some other wrasses, it is a rewarding species for aquarists seeking something a little different. Its peaceful temperament and reef-safe nature make it compatible with a wide variety of corals and invertebrates.