Common name: yellowcheek wrasse

General information

The Halichoeres dimidiatus, commonly known as the Yellow-belly Wrasse or Yellow-bellied Wrasse, is a small, colorful fish that adds both beauty and utility to a saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its striking coloration, with males displaying a vivid green back, a yellow underside, and a pinkish to purple stripe running along the length of their body. Females and juveniles are less colorful but still attractive, with a more subdued greenish-brown coloration and a yellow belly.

In the wild, these wrasses are active during the day, foraging for small invertebrates in the sand and rubble of coral reefs. They are beneficial to the reef ecosystem as they help control populations of small pests.

Care

Halichoeres dimidiatus is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity. They require an aquarium with a sandy bottom where they can forage and bury themselves at night or when threatened. A well-established tank with live rock provides additional hiding places and foraging opportunities. This species is known for its appetite for small crustaceans and worms, making it a natural choice for controlling pests like bristle worms and flatworms in the aquarium.

These wrasses are generally peaceful but can become territorial with other wrasses. It's best to introduce them to the tank last to minimize aggression. They thrive in a stable environment with consistent water quality and a varied diet that includes meaty foods and marine-based flakes or pellets.

Reproduction

In the wild, Halichoeres dimidiatus are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male if the dominant male is removed from the group. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but environmental stability and a well-matched pair can encourage spawning behavior. The male will perform a courtship dance to attract the female, who will then lay eggs on a flat surface. The male fertilizes the eggs and may guard them until they hatch.

Habitat

Halichoeres dimidiatus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters. They prefer areas with plenty of live rock and sandy substrates where they can search for food and take refuge.