Dusky Wrasse
Scientific Name: Halichoeres marginatus
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Safe: With Caution
Minimum Aquarium Size: Approx. 285L+
Maximum Size: Approx. 15cm
Origin: Indo-Pacific
The Dusky Wrasse (Halichoeres marginatus) is a relatively uncommon marine wrasse with impressive adult colouration and the active, inquisitive behaviour typical of the Halichoeres genus.
Colouration changes considerably depending on age and sex. Juveniles and females tend to be more subdued, while mature males can develop an incredible mix of dusky blue, green, yellow, red and orange, including a distinctive green crescent marking near the base of the tail.
Aquarium Care
Dusky Wrasses are best kept in a mature marine aquarium with plenty of live rock, open swimming space and a suitable sandy substrate.
EMA recommends an aquarium of at least 75 gallons, or approximately 285 litres.
A sand bed around 5–7cm deep is important, as Dusky Wrasses naturally bury themselves at night and may dive into the substrate when frightened.
Plenty of rockwork should also be provided for shelter and foraging, while leaving enough open space for active swimming.
A secure aquarium lid is strongly recommended, as wrasses are capable jumpers.
Feeding
The Dusky Wrasse is a carnivore and active forager that naturally searches rockwork and substrate for small benthic invertebrates.
Suitable foods include:
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Frozen mysis shrimp
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Enriched brine shrimp
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Quality marine pellets
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Marine flakes
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Frozen marine blends
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Finely chopped seafood
EMA recommends frequent smaller meals throughout the day to suit the species' active feeding behaviour.
Reef Compatibility
The Dusky Wrasse is best considered reef safe with caution.
It generally leaves soft and stony corals alone, but larger individuals may prey on desirable invertebrates including:
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Ornamental shrimp
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Small crabs
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Fan worms
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Other small crustaceans
They may also hunt less desirable aquarium inhabitants such as fireworms and pyramidellid snails, which can make their natural foraging behaviour useful in some systems.
Colour Development
One of the biggest attractions of the Dusky Wrasse is how dramatically its appearance can change as it matures.
Adult males are particularly impressive, developing far stronger blue, green, yellow, orange and red colouration than juveniles and females.
This makes the Dusky Wrasse an excellent choice for aquarists wanting a fish that becomes increasingly striking as it matures.
Why We Like Them
The Dusky Wrasse combines excellent adult colouration, constant activity and interesting natural hunting behaviour in one fish.
They're also considerably less common in the aquarium trade than many familiar wrasses, making them a great option for someone wanting something a little different in a larger marine aquarium.
Just remember that while they're generally safe with corals, small ornamental invertebrates may eventually become food.
