Common name: Puddingwife wrasse

General information

The Puddingwife Wrasse, scientifically known as Halichoeres radiatus, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and dynamism to a saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its striking coloration, which transitions from a yellow anterior to a blue posterior as it matures, with females typically exhibiting a more subdued palette compared to males.

Care

Puddingwife Wrasses are relatively hardy and adaptable to aquarium life, but they do require a spacious tank with plenty of rockwork and hiding places to thrive. They are known to be jumpers, so a tightly fitting lid is essential to prevent escape. These wrasses are not picky eaters and will accept a variety of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, as well as high-quality marine flake and pellet foods.

Reproduction

In the wild, Puddingwife Wrasses are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males if the dominant male is removed from the group. In the aquarium, breeding these fish is challenging, and sex change is less commonly observed.

Habitat

Native to the Western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, Puddingwife Wrasses are typically found in coral reefs and rocky areas. They are active swimmers and enjoy a habitat with a mix of open space and crevices to explore.