Description
Richmond’s Wrasse (Halichoeres richmondi)
Overview
Richmond’s Wrasse is a colorful and peaceful reef fish, featuring a green to turquoise body with striking red and yellow accents along its fins and face. Active and graceful, it brings both motion and beauty to marine aquariums while naturally grazing on small invertebrates.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including the Philippines and Indonesia, Halichoeres richmondi inhabits coral reefs and sandy rubble zones, often hiding among rocks and crevices during the day.
Feeding
An omnivore that thrives on frozen mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and high-quality marine pellets. It also grazes on live rock microfauna. Feed 2–3 times daily for best health and coloration.
Tank Mates
Peaceful and reef-safe with most species, including gobies, tangs, anthias, and small wrasses. Avoid aggressive or highly territorial fish that may outcompete or stress it.
Aggression
Generally peaceful. Minimal territorial behavior, especially in well-structured aquariums with live rock and hiding spots.
Experience Level
Suitable for beginner to intermediate aquarists. Hardy, adaptable, and best kept in mature, stable reef aquariums with a sand bed for burrowing.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 75°F – 82°F (24°C – 28°C)
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Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 SG
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pH: 8.1 – 8.4
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Alkalinity: 8 – 12 dKH
Peaceful, colorful, and reef-safe, Richmond’s Wrasse is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a small, active, and visually striking wrasse for a mature marine aquarium.
