Blackear Wrasse

(Halichoeres poeyi)

Halichoeres Wrasse should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work should be provided for grazing and foraging behaviours. Halichoeres Wrasse will bury themselves in the sand at night and if startled, provide a deep sand bed. They may pick at crustaceans and fan worms. A diet of meaty and algae based foods are readily accepted by Halichoeres Wrasse. Males and females generally exhibit color or pattern differences. Halichoeres Wrasse are hardy and well adapted to aquarium life. Harems of 1 male and a couple of females can cohabitate well if added at the same time but can become a bit territorial if added seperately. Wrasse are hermaphrodites meaning they start as juveniles/females but at some point in their life may turn into a male. Wrasse are jumpers be sure to provide an aquarium with a tight fitting lid.

The Blackear Wrasse are rarely seen in the aquarium trade. The male and female Blackear Wrasse are similar in color but the males tend to be larger than the females. Blackear Wrasse are an olive color with wide pink stripes and a thin blue stripe on their head and tail, a dark spot behind its eye, fins are trimmed in either blue and orange, yellow, with blue and rose colored stripes and a black spot on the dorsal. Blackear Wrasse can grow to almost 8".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 75 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate CareEasyEasy
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightHighHigh