Richmond's Wrasse

(Halichoeres richmondi)

Halichoeres Wrasse should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work should be provided for grazing and foraging behaviours. Halichoeres Wrasse will bury themselves in the sand at night and if startled, provide a deep sand bed. They may pick at crustaceans and fan worms. A diet of meaty and algae based foods are readily accepted by Halichoeres Wrasse. Males and females generally exhibit color or pattern differences. Halichoeres Wrasse are hardy and well adapted to aquarium life. Harems of 1 male and a couple of females can cohabitate well if added at the same time but can become a bit territorial if added seperately. Wrasse are hermaphrodites meaning they start as juveniles/females but at some point in their life may turn into a male. Wrasse are jumpers be sure to provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid.

The Richmond's Wrasse are sometimes also known as the Chain Line Wrasse. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Juveniles and adults will have color differences. Juveniles are a light blue green with orange stripes, two black ocellus, and an orange anal fin. As the fish matures they turn a green color with fine blue stripes that look like a chain and dorsal, caudal and anal fins trimmed in blue. Richmond's Wrasse can grow to almost 8".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 75 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate CareEasyEasy
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatSand FlatSand Flat HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightHighHigh