Common name: rainbow wrasse

General information

The Puddingwife Wrasse, scientifically known as Halichoeres pictus, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. It is known for its striking coloration, which changes as it matures. Juveniles typically display a mix of white, brown, and blue stripes, while adults develop a more solid bluish-green body with yellow accents on the fins and a distinctive checkerboard pattern on the back.

Care

Puddingwife Wrasses are relatively hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. These wrasses are known to jump, so a tightly fitting lid or screen is essential to prevent escape. They thrive in a varied diet that includes meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, as well as high-quality marine flakes and pellets.

Reproduction

In the wild, Puddingwife Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male later in life. This sex change is often triggered by social cues or the absence of a dominant male. Breeding them in captivity is challenging and not commonly done by hobbyists.

Habitat

Puddingwife Wrasses are found in the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, often seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters. Their natural environment should be mimicked in the aquarium with a mix of open swimming space and rockwork.