Slippery Dick

The Slippery Dick is one of the most common wrasses found throughout the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, and its name derives from its slippery, mucus-coated body that makes it difficult to hold. This medium-sized Halichoeres species displays attractive horizontal striping along its body with a combination of green, yellow, and pink tones that intensify in dominant males.

In the wild, Slippery Dicks are found in virtually every Caribbean reef habitat, from shallow seagrass beds to deeper coral reefs. They are opportunistic feeders that forage constantly over the substrate, picking off small invertebrates, worms, and crustaceans. This tireless foraging behavior makes them effective pest controllers in the home aquarium, where they will hunt flatworms, bristleworms, and other nuisance organisms.

The Slippery Dick is among the hardiest wrasses available, tolerating a wide range of conditions and readily accepting prepared foods from the first day in captivity. Its peaceful temperament, manageable size, and robust constitution make it an excellent choice for beginner marine aquarists. Like other Halichoeres wrasses, it requires a sand substrate for sleeping and a secure lid to prevent jumping.